CVE-2024-29126 in Specific Content for Mobile Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/19/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Jose Mortellaro Specific Content For Mobile – Customize the mobile version without redirections allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Specific Content For Mobile – Customize the mobile version without redirections: from n/a through 0.1.9.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the Specific Content For Mobile plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions ranging from the initial release through 0.1.9.5. The flaw represents a classic reflected xss vector where malicious input is not properly sanitized during web page generation, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is directly incorporated into dynamically generated web content without adequate output encoding or sanitization mechanisms. This type of weakness falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a well-documented and widely recognized security flaw in web applications.
The operational impact of this reflected xss vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of affected users' browsers. An attacker could craft malicious URLs containing javascript payloads that, when visited by a victim, would execute in the victim's browser session. This could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of content, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the mobile version customization functionality, meaning that users accessing mobile-optimized pages could be targeted. Attackers could leverage this to target mobile users specifically, taking advantage of the different security contexts and potential vulnerabilities present in mobile browser environments.
The attack vector for this vulnerability follows the typical reflected xss pattern where an attacker must convince a victim to click on a malicious link containing crafted input parameters. The plugin's functionality of customizing mobile versions without redirections creates an environment where user input is processed and rendered directly into the page output, without proper sanitization. This aligns with the ATT&CK framework's tactic of initial access through web application attacks, specifically using malicious web content to establish a foothold. The vulnerability could be exploited by embedding javascript payloads in parameters that are processed by the plugin's mobile content customization features, making it particularly relevant for attackers targeting mobile web experiences.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin versions, as the most effective solution. Administrators should update to the latest version of the Specific Content For Mobile plugin where the xss flaw has been addressed. In the interim, input validation and output encoding should be implemented at the application level to sanitize all user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. This includes implementing proper html entity encoding for all dynamic content and employing content security policies to prevent script execution. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not be considered a replacement for proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input sanitization and output encoding practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in both OWASP and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing cross-site scripting attacks.