CVE-2024-37244 in Ninja Beaver Add-ons for Beaver Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Ninja Team Ninja Beaver Add-ons for Beaver Builder allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Ninja Beaver Add-ons for Beaver Builder: from n/a through 2.4.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Ninja Team Ninja Beaver Add-ons for Beaver Builder plugin, specifically classified as a stored XSS vulnerability under CWE-79. The weakness occurs during web page generation when input data is improperly neutralized, allowing malicious scripts to be permanently stored on the server and subsequently executed in users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including version 2.4.5, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple releases where input validation mechanisms were insufficient to prevent malicious code injection.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within the plugin's content generation processes. When administrators or users input content through the Beaver Builder interface, the plugin fails to properly escape or encode special characters that could be interpreted as executable script code. This allows attackers to inject malicious javascript payloads that persist in the database and execute whenever affected pages are rendered. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once injected, the malicious code remains active until manually removed or the plugin is updated, creating a persistent threat vector. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the context of the web application, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to hijack user sessions, redirect traffic to malicious sites, or extract sensitive information from the WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects not just the plugin's functionality but the entire WordPress ecosystem where it's installed, as the stored XSS can target any user who views affected pages, including administrators with elevated privileges. This creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on Beaver Builder for website creation, as the attack surface includes not only the plugin's features but also the broader WordPress administration interface and user management systems.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions beyond 2.4.5 where the vulnerability has been addressed. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, content security policies to restrict script execution, and regular security scanning of plugin installations. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block known malicious payloads, while application-level protections should focus on proper output encoding and sanitization of all user-supplied content. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all installed plugins and themes, particularly those with administrative capabilities, to identify similar weaknesses. The remediation process should include monitoring for signs of exploitation, such as unexpected user behavior or unauthorized access attempts, and implementing least-privilege principles to limit the potential damage from successful attacks. Regular security audits and automated patch management processes are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future, as this flaw demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web application security.