CVE-2024-37414 in Depicter Slider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Depicter Slider and Popup by Averta Depicter Slider allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Depicter Slider: from n/a through 3.0.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
The CVE-2024-37414 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Depicter Slider and Popup plugin for WordPress, specifically impacting versions through 3.0.2. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database and execute whenever affected pages are loaded by unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping within the plugin's web page generation process. When administrators or users create slider or popup content through the WordPress admin interface, the plugin fails to adequately neutralize special characters and script tags in user-supplied data before storing it in the database. This stored data is then retrieved and rendered in subsequent web pages without proper sanitization, creating an ideal environment for persistent cross-site scripting attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's content management functionality where user input is directly incorporated into HTML output without appropriate context-aware escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this stored XSS vulnerability is severe and multifaceted. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of any user's browser who views pages containing malicious content. This capability enables session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious websites, and potential privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once malicious content is injected, it remains active until manually removed from the database, potentially affecting all users who access affected pages. The attack surface extends to any WordPress installation using the vulnerable plugin version, making it particularly dangerous for widely deployed plugins.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-37414 should prioritize immediate patching of the Depicter Slider and Popup plugin to version 3.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including regular security audits of plugin installations, monitoring for unauthorized modifications to plugin files, and implementing content security policies to limit script execution. Network-based protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense, while regular backups ensure rapid recovery from potential compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content and T1059.007 for command and control through script injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing strict input validation policies and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other custom or third-party components.