CVE-2024-34560 in gee Search Plus Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/08/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in GOMO gee Search Plus allows Stored XSS.This issue affects gee Search Plus: from n/a through 1.4.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The weakness manifests in the GOMO gee Search Plus application where input validation and sanitization mechanisms fail during the web page generation process. Specifically, user-supplied data enters the system through search queries or other input fields without proper neutralization, allowing malicious payloads to be stored and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is classified as stored XSS because the malicious code persists in the application's database or storage mechanisms, making it executable whenever affected pages are loaded.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs during the web page rendering phase where the application fails to properly escape or filter user input before incorporating it into dynamic HTML content. This creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious payloads that include script tags or other executable code sequences. When legitimate users browse pages containing the stored malicious content, their browsers execute the injected scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation. The vulnerability affects all versions of GOMO gee Search Plus from the initial release through version 1.4.4, indicating a persistent flaw that has not been adequately addressed in the codebase.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the application environment. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate user sessions, access sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious sites. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the attack vector can be maintained over time without requiring repeated user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for applications that store user-generated content. This flaw directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-79 which addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 related to credential access through web application vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's data flow. The primary defense involves sanitizing all user input before storage and properly escaping data during rendering processes to prevent script execution. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and consider using web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in the codebase. Additionally, developers must follow secure coding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten recommendations and ensure proper validation of all input parameters to prevent future occurrences of this class of vulnerability.