CVE-2024-30183 in Addons for WPBakery Page Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/27/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Livemesh Livemesh Addons for WPBakery Page Builder allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Livemesh Addons for WPBakery Page Builder: from n/a through 3.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The CVE-2024-30183 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness within the Livemesh Addons for WPBakery Page Builder plugin, specifically targeting versions through 3.7. This flaw resides in the improper neutralization of input during web page generation processes, creating a persistent security risk that allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of affected websites. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of user-supplied data within web page generation workflows, where input validation and sanitization mechanisms fail to properly process or escape potentially malicious content before it is rendered in web browsers. The issue manifests as a stored XSS vulnerability, meaning that malicious scripts can be permanently stored on the server and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are accessed by unsuspecting users. This classification aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting as the failure to properly neutralize user-controllable input data that is then rendered in web pages without adequate sanitization or escaping. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it enables attackers to manipulate website content, hijack user sessions, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the affected WordPress environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious input is submitted through the plugin's interface and subsequently stored in the database without proper sanitization. When legitimate users access pages generated by the affected plugin, their browsers execute the stored malicious scripts, which can perform actions such as stealing cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or modifying page content. The attack vector leverages the plugin's web page generation capabilities where user input is processed and rendered without adequate security controls. This represents a significant concern for WordPress administrators as the vulnerability affects a widely used page builder plugin that integrates with the popular WPBakery Page Builder framework, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise WordPress installations. The flaw essentially creates a persistent security hole where attackers can inject malicious code that remains active until manually removed, potentially affecting all users who view the compromised pages. The vulnerability's classification as stored XSS places it within the ATT&CK framework's T1566.001 technique for initial access through malicious content, and can also facilitate T1059.001 for command and control through browser-based payloads.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the XSS flaw, as the affected range includes all versions up to 3.7. The recommended mitigation strategy involves not only updating the plugin but also implementing comprehensive input validation and output escaping mechanisms throughout the WordPress environment. Administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any potential exploitation that may have occurred prior to patching, including monitoring for unusual user activity or unauthorized content modifications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices, particularly in plugins that handle user-generated content and integrate with page building frameworks. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security assessments of third-party plugins to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by threat actors, as this type of vulnerability can serve as a gateway for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and data exfiltration.