CVE-2024-37447 in PixelYourSite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in PixelYourSite PixelYourSite – Your smart PIXEL (TAG) Manager allows Stored XSS.This issue affects PixelYourSite – Your smart PIXEL (TAG) Manager: from n/a through 9.6.1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the PixelYourSite smart PIXEL (TAG) Manager plugin for WordPress systems. The issue stems from improper input sanitization during web page generation processes, specifically allowing malicious scripts to be stored and subsequently executed when users view affected pages. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data that gets rendered in web pages without adequate neutralization measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious JavaScript code through input fields or parameters that are then stored within the plugin's database or configuration settings. This stored XSS vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a victim's browser, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing sensitive data, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 9.6.1.1, indicating a long-standing issue that has not been adequately addressed in the affected codebase.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a failure in proper input validation and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing cross-site scripting attacks. When user input is processed and stored within the plugin's systems, it should undergo rigorous sanitization to remove or escape potentially dangerous characters and script tags. The vulnerability occurs during the web page generation phase where stored data is rendered without appropriate context-aware encoding, allowing malicious payloads to persist and execute when the page is subsequently loaded. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to neutralize input data that is then used in web page generation processes. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious code can affect multiple users over time, unlike reflected XSS which requires specific user interaction with a crafted link.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking. Attackers can leverage this stored XSS to perform sophisticated attacks including but not limited to credential theft, defacement of web pages, redirection to malicious sites, and installation of additional malware. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that once an attacker successfully injects malicious code, it will continue to affect users who view the affected pages until the vulnerability is patched and the malicious content is removed. This creates a sustained threat vector that can compromise user privacy and system integrity over extended periods. The vulnerability also poses significant risks to website owners as it can be used to modify the appearance of web pages, inject advertisements, or redirect traffic to malicious destinations, potentially causing reputational damage and legal consequences.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin versions, implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures, and establishing robust monitoring systems to detect unauthorized modifications. Website administrators should prioritize updating to the latest plugin version that addresses this vulnerability, as the affected range spans multiple versions indicating a prolonged exposure window. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policies to limit script execution, regular security scanning of web applications, and proper input sanitization protocols that escape or remove dangerous characters from user-supplied data. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, conducting regular security audits, and establishing incident response procedures for rapid remediation of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should involve thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that the XSS vulnerability is fully resolved and that no regression issues have been introduced in the plugin's functionality. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the necessity of continuous monitoring for potential threats in web applications.