CVE-2024-32833 in List Custom Taxonomy Widget Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/24/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Nick Halsey List Custom Taxonomy Widget allows Stored XSS.This issue affects List Custom Taxonomy Widget: from n/a through 4.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability exists within the List Custom Taxonomy Widget plugin developed by Nick Halsey, specifically affecting versions ranging from an unspecified beginning version through 4.1. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization during the web page generation process, allowing malicious code to be stored and subsequently executed in the context of victims' browsers. This stored XSS vulnerability poses significant risks as it can persist in the application's database and affect multiple users over time.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered in web pages. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that get stored within the plugin's data storage mechanisms, typically through taxonomy terms or custom fields. When other users view pages containing these stored inputs, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's classification as CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation - indicates a fundamental failure in output encoding and input validation practices. This weakness directly enables the exploitation techniques categorized under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers can leverage the stored XSS to deliver malicious payloads through seemingly legitimate web interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for comprehensive session manipulation and data exfiltration. An attacker with access to the plugin's administrative interface could inject scripts that steal cookies, redirect users to malicious domains, or even modify content in real-time. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the vulnerability remains active until the malicious input is removed from the database, potentially affecting all users who interact with affected pages. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators or contributors might unknowingly store malicious content. The scope of impact includes not only the immediate plugin functionality but also any connected systems that rely on the integrity of taxonomy data, potentially affecting content management workflows and user trust in the application's security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate input validation and output encoding implementations. Administrators must upgrade to patched versions of the List Custom Taxonomy Widget plugin as soon as available, while also implementing comprehensive input sanitization measures. The recommended approach includes implementing strict content security policies, proper HTML escaping of all user inputs, and regular security audits of plugin code. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with XSS detection capabilities can provide an additional layer of protection. Security teams should monitor for any exploitation attempts and consider implementing automated scanning tools that can detect stored XSS vulnerabilities in web applications. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and input validation techniques is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future implementations, particularly focusing on the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CWE guidelines for preventing cross-site scripting attacks.