CVE-2024-29105 in WP Popups Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/19/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Timersys WP Popups allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WP Popups: from n/a through 2.1.5.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-29105 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness within the Timersys WP Popups plugin for WordPress systems. This stored XSS vulnerability arises from inadequate input sanitization during the web page generation process, specifically when handling user-supplied data that gets rendered in popup content. The flaw exists in versions ranging from the initial release through 2.1.5.5, indicating a prolonged period during which the plugin remained susceptible to this type of attack. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic example of how user-controllable data can be exploited to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into popup content that persists on the server and gets executed whenever the popup is displayed to other users. This stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload is not limited to a single request but remains embedded within the application's data storage, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time. When a user visits a page containing the vulnerable popup, their browser executes the injected script within the context of the authenticated session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the affected WordPress installation. The vulnerability specifically impacts the plugin's popup generation functionality where user inputs are not properly escaped or validated before being rendered in HTML output contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within WordPress environments. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, modify popup content to redirect users to malicious sites, or inject additional malicious code to escalate privileges. The stored nature of the XSS makes it particularly challenging to detect and remediate since the malicious code remains hidden within the legitimate application data until triggered by user interaction. This vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to perform advanced persistent threats within the WordPress ecosystem, potentially compromising entire websites and their associated user data. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to user trust and website integrity, as users may unknowingly interact with malicious content while believing they are using legitimate popup functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-29105 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as this represents the most direct and effective solution. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other custom code or plugins. Regular security audits of WordPress installations should include checks for stored XSS vulnerabilities in all active plugins and themes. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to limit the impact of potential XSS attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious script injection attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access, making it a critical target for security monitoring and incident response procedures. Regular patch management processes should be strengthened to ensure timely updates of all WordPress components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping all plugins current with security patches.