CVE-2024-31387 in Popup Like Box Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Popup LikeBox Team Popup Like box allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Popup Like box: from n/a through 3.7.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31387 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Popup LikeBox WordPress plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from an unspecified minimum to version 3.7.2. This weakness falls under the broader category of improper input neutralization during web page generation, creating a persistent security risk that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS attack vector, meaning that malicious code can be permanently stored on the target server and subsequently executed whenever users access the affected pages, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where user-generated content is processed and displayed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization and validation of user input within the plugin's codebase, particularly in how it handles data submitted through the like box functionality. When users interact with the popup like box feature, their input is not properly escaped or filtered before being rendered back to other users browsing the website. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through the plugin's interface, which then gets executed in the browsers of unsuspecting visitors. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the web application's ability to properly escape output, which is a fundamental security control that should prevent malicious code from being executed in user contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers can leverage this stored XSS vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, modify website content, deface pages, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised website. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive user data, making this vulnerability potentially devastating for website owners and their visitors. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious payload will continue to affect users until the vulnerability is patched and the malicious code is removed from the system.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version of the Popup LikeBox plugin where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed, applying temporary workarounds such as implementing content security policies, and conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and follows patterns commonly associated with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which involves the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities for initial access. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious input patterns, and establishing regular vulnerability scanning procedures to detect similar weaknesses in other components of their web infrastructure. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the fix does not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining the security posture of the overall web application ecosystem.