CVE-2024-30426 in Hash Elements Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in HashThemes Hash Elements allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Hash Elements: from n/a through 1.3.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Hash Elements plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions through 1.3.3. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization during web page generation processes, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject persistent malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic stored XSS attack vector. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets stored on the server and subsequently executed whenever legitimate users access affected pages, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing sensitive data, or redirecting users to malicious websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Hash Elements plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web page content. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through various input fields or parameters that are then stored in the database. When other users access pages that display this stored content, their browsers execute the malicious scripts without proper context isolation, leading to unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the fact that the malicious content remains stored on the server, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods without requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, creating potential for significant security breaches within WordPress environments utilizing the affected plugin. Attackers can leverage this stored XSS to hijack user sessions, steal authentication cookies, modify website content, or redirect users to phishing sites designed to capture credentials. The vulnerability's scope is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where administrators or logged-in users may be targeted. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content, and T1059.007 for command and control through script injection. The attack chain typically involves crafting malicious input, storing it via the vulnerable plugin, and waiting for users to view the affected content, making this a stealthy and persistent threat vector.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through plugin version updates, as the issue affects versions through 1.3.3. Administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious data from being stored or rendered in web pages. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting script execution sources. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, while user input should be rigorously sanitized using established encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding for output contexts. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring user activities can help detect unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining updated security patches across all WordPress components ensures comprehensive protection against known vulnerabilities.