CVE-2024-37955 in GutSlider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/20/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Zakaria Binsaifullah GutSlider – All in One Block Slider allows Stored XSS.This issue affects GutSlider – All in One Block Slider: from n/a through 2.7.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-37955 represents a critical improper neutralization of input during web page generation flaw that manifests as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability within the GutSlider – All in One Block Slider WordPress plugin. This issue specifically impacts versions ranging from an unspecified initial version through 2.7.3, creating a persistent security risk for WordPress sites utilizing this slider plugin. The vulnerability resides in how the plugin processes and renders user input within web page generation contexts, failing to properly sanitize or escape potentially malicious script content that gets stored and subsequently executed in users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the GutSlider plugin's codebase. When administrators or users input content through the plugin's interface, the system fails to properly neutralize special characters and script tags that could be embedded within slider configurations or content fields. This allows attackers to inject malicious javascript code that gets stored within the plugin's database or configuration files. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists and executes every time the affected web page is loaded, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users without requiring additional interaction from them.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for WordPress site administrators and their visitors. Attackers can leverage this stored XSS vulnerability to execute arbitrary javascript code in the context of victims' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of content, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the plugin is installed, as the malicious scripts execute in the context of legitimate user sessions. This creates a vector for more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation, data exfiltration, and establishment of backdoors within the compromised WordPress environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the latest version of the GutSlider plugin where the vulnerability has been patched, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script patterns, and conducting thorough security assessments of all installed WordPress plugins. Additionally, administrators should review and sanitize existing slider configurations to remove any potentially compromised content, while implementing proper input validation and output encoding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other custom or third-party components within their web applications.