CVE-2024-38675 in Arkhe Blocks Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/20/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in LOOS,Inc. Arkhe Blocks allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Arkhe Blocks: from n/a through 2.22.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-38675 represents a critical security flaw in LOOS,Inc. Arkhe Blocks plugin that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks. This weakness occurs during the web page generation process where input data is not properly sanitized or neutralized before being rendered in web pages. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of Arkhe Blocks ranging from an unspecified initial version through 2.22.1, indicating a broad impact across multiple releases. The flaw falls under the category of improper input handling during web page generation, which is a well-documented security weakness that directly aligns with CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages that are subsequently stored on the server or in the application's database. When other users view these pages, the stored scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload persists beyond the initial injection point, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over extended periods. This type of vulnerability is classified as a server-side stored XSS attack according to the ATT&CK framework under technique T1531 - Account Access Removal and T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-38675 extends beyond immediate security concerns to encompass potential data breaches, user privacy violations, and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal user sessions, access sensitive information, or manipulate the functionality of the affected web application. The vulnerability's presence in the Arkhe Blocks plugin suggests that websites utilizing this specific WordPress plugin are at risk of being exploited, potentially affecting thousands of users depending on the plugin's adoption rate. Organizations using this plugin should consider the broader implications for their security posture, as XSS vulnerabilities often serve as entry points for more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-38675 require immediate action including updating to the latest version of Arkhe Blocks where the vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other parts of their web applications. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies, using web application firewalls, and conducting regular security audits of web applications. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices, which are fundamental security controls that align with industry standards and best practices established by organizations such as OWASP and NIST. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify and remediate similar issues across their entire web infrastructure.