CVE-2024-35705 in Block for Font Awesome Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Ciprian Popescu Block for Font Awesome allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Block for Font Awesome: from n/a through 1.4.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-35705 represents a critical security flaw in the Block for Font Awesome WordPress plugin, specifically classified as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This issue manifests as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, creating an opportunity for persistent malicious code execution. The affected version range spans from an unspecified starting point through version 1.4.4, indicating that all versions within this range are potentially vulnerable to this attack vector. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious payloads are permanently stored on the server and executed whenever affected pages are loaded, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems where user-generated content is processed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization and validation of input parameters within the plugin's codebase. When users interact with the plugin's administrative interface or when content is processed through the plugin's functionality, user-supplied data is not properly escaped or filtered before being rendered in web pages. This failure in input validation creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that can execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates as a stored XSS attack, meaning that once malicious code is injected, it persists in the system and affects all users who view the affected pages. Attackers can leverage this weakness to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect users to malicious websites, or even install malware on victim systems. The attack requires minimal privileges since it exploits the plugin's lack of proper input sanitization rather than requiring administrative access to the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browsers of other users, potentially leading to complete account takeovers, data exfiltration, or the deployment of additional malware. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the attack can persist even after the initial injection, creating a long-term threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly. Organizations using the affected plugin versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to their systems, potential data breaches, and damage to their reputation. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of the web application, as malicious code can modify page content, redirect traffic, or manipulate user interactions. The attack vector typically involves injecting malicious scripts through plugin configuration parameters or content management interfaces where user input is not properly sanitized.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The most effective immediate solution involves updating to the latest version of the Block for Font Awesome plugin where the XSS vulnerability has been patched and properly addressed. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other parts of their web applications. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify and address similar input sanitization issues throughout the application stack. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities related to XSS attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to industry standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten project, which specifically addresses the need for proper input validation and output encoding to prevent cross-site scripting attacks. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on minimizing the attack surface and controlling user permissions within web applications.