CVE-2024-32540 in Fixed HTML Toolbar Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/17/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Web357 Fixed HTML Toolbar allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Fixed HTML Toolbar: from n/a through 1.0.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-32540 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Web357 Fixed HTML Toolbar plugin, specifically manifesting as a stored XSS vulnerability that can persist across user sessions. This weakness stems from inadequate input sanitization during the web page generation process, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Fixed HTML Toolbar plugin from the initial release through version 1.0.7, indicating a prolonged exposure window that could have allowed extensive exploitation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's failure to properly neutralize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. When users interact with the toolbar functionality, particularly when entering content that gets stored and subsequently rendered on web pages, the plugin fails to implement adequate sanitization measures. This oversight creates an environment where malicious payloads can be stored within the application's database or storage mechanisms and then executed whenever affected pages are accessed by other users. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious scripts persist beyond the initial injection point, making it particularly dangerous for sustained attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, and potentially gain access to administrative functions. According to CWE-79, this vulnerability maps directly to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique under T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of malicious scripts within user browsers. The persistence aspect of stored XSS makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for attackers seeking long-term access to compromised systems, as the malicious code remains active until manually removed or the plugin is updated.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.0.8 or later, which should contain the necessary input sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that filter or escape all user-supplied content before storage and rendering. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script execution, while regular security audits of web applications should include thorough examination of all plugins and third-party components. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of interacting with untrusted content and regular monitoring of web application logs for suspicious activity can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block known XSS attack patterns, particularly focusing on the specific injection vectors that could exploit this vulnerability within the Fixed HTML Toolbar functionality.