CVE-2024-37950 in Master Popups Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/20/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in CodexHelp Master Popups allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Master Popups: from n/a through 1.0.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the CodexHelp Master Popups plugin, specifically within the stored XSS attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject persistent malicious scripts into web pages. The issue stems from inadequate input sanitization during the web page generation process, where user-supplied data fails to be properly neutralized before being rendered in the browser context. The vulnerability exists in versions ranging from an unspecified initial state through version 1.0.3, indicating a persistent flaw that has not yet been addressed in the affected release cycle. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs when the plugin processes user input through its popup generation mechanism, failing to adequately validate or sanitize data that gets stored and subsequently executed in the browser context. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that get stored within the plugin's database or configuration, then executed whenever legitimate users view pages containing the affected popups. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious script persists even after the initial injection, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of 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 data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with persistent access to victim environments through the compromised plugin. The stored XSS capability means that attackers can maintain their foothold even after the initial compromise, allowing for extended periods of malicious activity. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress environments where the CodexHelp Master Popups plugin is installed, potentially compromising entire websites if the plugin is widely deployed. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the plugin's administrative interface or through other means that allow them to inject malicious content into the popup generation system. The security implications include potential data exfiltration, unauthorized access to user accounts, and the ability to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.0.4 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed. Administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data within the plugin's functionality, following secure coding practices that prevent XSS vulnerabilities. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts. Regular security audits of installed plugins and themes should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious patterns associated with XSS attack attempts, particularly those targeting known vulnerable plugin versions. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the impact of potential exploitation by ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify plugin configurations or inject content into the system.