CVE-2024-29797 in Grid Shortcodes Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in WP Darko Grid Shortcodes allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Grid Shortcodes: from n/a through 1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in the WP Darko Grid Shortcodes WordPress plugin that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of victim browsers. The flaw occurs during the web page generation process when user input is inadequately sanitized before being rendered in HTML output, creating an environment where persistent XSS attacks can be carried out. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions ranging from n/a through 1.1, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple iterations of the plugin. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which classifies improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a primary cause of XSS attacks, making it a fundamental web application security concern that directly impacts user data integrity and system confidentiality. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious scripts are permanently stored on the server and executed whenever affected pages are accessed, unlike reflected XSS which requires user interaction with crafted links.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. Attackers can inject malicious code through shortcode parameters or content fields that are then stored in the database and subsequently rendered on web pages without proper sanitization. This creates a persistent threat vector that can affect all users who view pages containing the compromised shortcodes, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators and regular users may be exposed to the same malicious content. The vulnerability's presence in the grid shortcodes functionality suggests that any content management or display features relying on these components could become attack vectors, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation's security posture.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the latest version of the WP Darko Grid Shortcodes plugin once available, applying input validation and output encoding mechanisms to all shortcode parameters, and conducting thorough security audits of all plugin components that handle user-generated content. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566.001 which covers "Phishing with Social Engineering" and T1059.001 which addresses "Command and Scripting Interpreter" as attackers can leverage stored XSS to establish persistent access and execute commands through infected user sessions. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution sources, deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and establish regular security scanning procedures to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization practices and demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in web application components can create significant security risks that require immediate attention and remediation.