CVE-2024-37936 in Tabs for WPBakery Page Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/20/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in labibahmed Tabs For WPBakery Page Builder allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Tabs For WPBakery Page Builder: from n/a through 1.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Tabs For WPBakery Page Builder plugin, which operates within the WordPress ecosystem and specifically targets the wpbakery page builder framework. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization during the web page generation process, creating a persistent security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's output. The vulnerability exists in versions ranging from the initial release through version 1.2, indicating a long-standing flaw that has not been properly addressed. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where input data is improperly neutralized during web page generation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability enables stored XSS attacks, meaning that malicious script code can be permanently stored on the server and subsequently executed whenever users access the affected pages. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input through the plugin's interface, which then gets stored in the database and executed in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw occurs during the rendering process when the plugin generates HTML content for display, failing to properly sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into web pages. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that can steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect them to malicious sites. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning as it can remain active even after the initial injection, affecting all users who view the compromised pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable complete compromise of user sessions and potentially lead to unauthorized administrative access if users have elevated privileges. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially accessing sensitive information, modifying content, or performing actions as authenticated users. The stored nature of the XSS means that even users who do not immediately interact with the compromised content can be affected when they later view the affected pages. This vulnerability particularly impacts WordPress installations using the WPBakery Page Builder framework, making it a significant concern for website administrators who rely on these plugins for content management. The attack vector is typically initiated through the plugin's user interface where input fields are not properly sanitized, allowing malicious payloads to be submitted and stored.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should also implement comprehensive input validation and sanitization measures across all user-facing interfaces, particularly those integrated with page builder frameworks. The implementation of Content Security Policies (CSP) can provide additional protection layers by restricting script execution and limiting the impact of successful XSS attacks. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to input handling and output encoding practices. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit such vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachment, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures including user education and network monitoring to prevent exploitation attempts.