CVE-2024-30875 in jQuery-UI
Summary
by MITRE • 10/18/2024
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in JavaScript Library jquery-ui v.1.13.1 allows a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information and execute arbitrary code via a crafted payload to the window.addEventListener component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2025
The CVE-2024-30875 vulnerability represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within the jquery-ui JavaScript library version 1.13.1 that exposes applications utilizing this component to significant security risks. This vulnerability specifically targets the window.addEventListener functionality within the library, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to execute arbitrary code and gain access to sensitive information. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the library's event handling processes, particularly when processing user-supplied data through the addEventListener interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications that depend on jquery-ui for user interface components. When the library processes crafted payloads through the window.addEventListener component, it fails to properly sanitize or escape the input data, enabling attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of the victim's browser. This particular weakness falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting vulnerabilities, where the system fails to validate or sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic content. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages a core browser API that is fundamental to web application functionality, making it difficult to prevent without addressing the root cause in the library itself.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser context. This could enable attackers to perform actions such as stealing cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, modifying page content, or even performing actions on behalf of the authenticated user. Applications that rely on jquery-ui for modal dialogs, autocomplete features, date pickers, or other interactive components are all potentially at risk, as these interfaces often utilize the window.addEventListener functionality for proper event handling. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access to the target system or direct network access to internal resources, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where applications are exposed to external networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-30875 must focus on immediate library updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability in the window.addEventListener implementation. Organizations should prioritize updating to jquery-ui version 1.13.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent malicious payload injection through the affected component. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding measures at the application level can provide defense in depth, ensuring that even if the library vulnerability is not immediately patched, malicious inputs are properly sanitized before being processed. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies that restrict script execution and monitor for suspicious patterns in event listener registrations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1211 which covers privilege escalation through malicious script injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures that address both the immediate library flaw and broader application security practices. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances where jquery-ui is being used within their applications and ensure complete remediation across their entire codebase.