CVE-2024-31346 in Gradient Text Widget for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/07/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Blocksmarket Gradient Text Widget for Elementor allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Gradient Text Widget for Elementor: from n/a through 1.0.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31346 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Blocksmarket Gradient Text Widget for Elementor plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through 1.0.1. This weakness falls under the category of improper input neutralization during web page generation, creating a persistent security risk that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of affected websites. The vulnerability manifests as a stored XSS attack vector, meaning that malicious code injected by an attacker can be permanently stored on the server and subsequently executed whenever users access the affected web pages. This particular flaw resides in the plugin's handling of user-supplied input during the generation of gradient text elements, where insufficient sanitization or validation allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that persists across user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. When administrators or users create gradient text elements using the widget, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided content before rendering it in the HTML output. This oversight creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the browsers of other users who view the affected pages. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS issue because the malicious payload is saved to the server's database or storage system, making it persistent and automatically executed whenever the vulnerable page is accessed. This characteristic significantly amplifies the attack surface and potential impact compared to reflected XSS vulnerabilities, which require specific user interaction to trigger.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-31346 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, modify content on the affected websites, or even establish backdoors for persistent access. The presence of this vulnerability in the Elementor ecosystem creates widespread risk since Elementor is one of the most popular page builders for wordpress installations, meaning that a compromised gradient text widget could affect thousands of websites. Organizations using this plugin may face severe consequences including data breaches, reputational damage, and potential regulatory compliance violations, especially in environments where sensitive user data is processed or stored.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent input sanitization failures. System administrators should conduct thorough security audits of all websites utilizing the Gradient Text Widget for Elementor, reviewing existing content for potential malicious scripts and implementing proper input validation measures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and its exploitation patterns correspond to techniques outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1566 for phishing and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should implement comprehensive web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, establish regular security scanning protocols, and educate users about the risks of untrusted content in web applications. Additionally, implementing content security policies and strict output encoding practices will provide additional defense layers against similar vulnerabilities in the future.