CVE-2024-37428 in WidgetKit Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Themesgrove WidgetKit allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WidgetKit: from n/a through 2.5.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-37428 represents a critical improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically manifesting as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability within the Themesgrove WidgetKit plugin. This flaw exists in versions ranging from the initial release through 2.5.0, creating a persistent security risk for affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input that is subsequently rendered in web pages without proper encoding or validation mechanisms, allowing malicious scripts to be permanently stored and executed against unsuspecting users.
This stored XSS vulnerability operates through the manipulation of input fields within the WidgetKit plugin interface where user data is accepted and processed. When malicious actors inject crafted script payloads into configurable elements or content fields, these inputs are stored in the application's database or storage mechanisms. Upon subsequent page generation or rendering, the malicious scripts execute within the context of other users' browsers who access pages containing the compromised content. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1531 for Establishing Persistence through Web Shell or Malicious Scripts. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user sessions and potential escalation to more severe attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code that captures user credentials, modifies website content, redirects users to phishing sites, or establishes backdoors for continued access. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious payload remains active until manually removed, providing attackers with sustained access to compromised systems. This persistent threat can affect multiple users simultaneously, especially in environments where the WidgetKit plugin is widely used across multiple pages or sites, amplifying the potential damage and attack surface.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-37428 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions beyond 2.5.0 where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation processes that enforce strict sanitization of all user-supplied data before storage, utilizing context-specific encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding for web content. Security teams should also establish monitoring protocols to detect unauthorized modifications to plugin configurations or content fields, while implementing content security policies that restrict script execution within web applications. Additionally, regular security audits of web applications should include thorough examination of plugin and theme components to identify similar vulnerabilities, with mandatory security testing during deployment processes to prevent the introduction of such flaws into production environments.