CVE-2024-32428 in MWW Disclaimer Buttons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/15/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Moss Web Works MWW Disclaimer Buttons allows Stored XSS.This issue affects MWW Disclaimer Buttons: from n/a through 3.0.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32428 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness within the Moss Web Works MWW Disclaimer Buttons plugin, specifically targeting versions ranging from an unspecified initial state through 3.0.2. This flaw resides in the improper neutralization of input during web page generation processes, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be persistently injected and executed. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which denotes Cross-Site Scripting, a pervasive issue in web applications where untrusted data is improperly handled during dynamic content generation, leading to unauthorized code execution in the context of a victim's browser.
The technical mechanism behind this stored XSS vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input containing malicious script code is not adequately sanitized or escaped before being stored and subsequently rendered in web pages. When the plugin processes disclaimer button configurations or user-generated content, it fails to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. This allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code through the plugin's input fields, which gets stored in the application's database or configuration files. Subsequently, when legitimate users access pages that display these stored elements, the malicious script executes within their browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user sessions and potentially administrative privileges if the affected users possess elevated permissions. The stored nature of this XSS means that once the malicious payload is injected, it remains active until manually removed, creating a long-term threat vector that can affect multiple users over extended periods. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to harvest sensitive information, perform unauthorized transactions, or establish backdoor access points within the web application ecosystem. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which focuses on establishing persistence through malicious scripts and T1071.001 which covers application layer protocol usage for command and control communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-32428 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest version of the MWW Disclaimer Buttons plugin where the vulnerability has been patched. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before storage or rendering. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection layers by restricting script execution sources and preventing unauthorized code injection. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar input handling vulnerabilities, while security awareness training for developers should emphasize proper input validation techniques and the importance of escaping user data during web page generation processes.