CVE-2024-37121 in Shortcode Addons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in biplob018 Shortcode Addons allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Shortcode Addons: from n/a through 3.2.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-37121 represents a critical security flaw in the biplob018 Shortcode Addons plugin, specifically manifesting as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This weakness enables stored cross-site scripting attacks, where malicious scripts can be injected and persistently executed within the target environment. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user input during the generation of web pages, creating an attack surface where crafted payloads can be stored and subsequently executed when other users view affected pages. The issue affects all versions of Shortcode Addons from the initial release through version 3.2.5, indicating a long-standing problem that has not been adequately addressed in the plugin's codebase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization and validation of user-provided data within the plugin's shortcode processing mechanisms. When administrators or users create or modify content using the plugin's features, input data flows through processing functions that fail to properly escape or filter potentially malicious script content. This inadequate input handling allows attackers to inject javascript code or other malicious payloads that are then stored within the application's database or configuration files. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once the malicious input is accepted and saved, it automatically executes whenever affected pages are rendered to users, making it particularly dangerous as it can compromise multiple users without requiring repeated exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code within the context of users' browsers. This capability enables a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and the deployment of additional malware. The stored nature of the XSS attack means that the vulnerability can remain active for extended periods, potentially affecting numerous users who visit pages containing the malicious content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, manipulate content, or redirect users to malicious websites, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple sessions and user interactions.
Organizations using the affected Shortcode Addons plugin should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates to address this vulnerability. The remediation process should include updating to the latest available version of the plugin where the XSS flaws have been properly patched and input validation mechanisms have been strengthened. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of all affected systems and implement monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts or unauthorized modifications. Additionally, administrators should review existing content for potential malicious scripts and consider implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of their web applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a clear violation of the principle of input sanitization that forms the foundation of secure web application development practices. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within user browsers through the compromised web application.