CVE-2024-38785 in Gutenverse Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Jegstudio Gutenverse allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Gutenverse: from n/a through 1.9.2.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Gutenverse WordPress plugin developed by Jegstudio, specifically impacting versions through 1.9.2. The issue manifests as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, creating a stored XSS attack vector that can persist across user sessions. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category for Cross-site Scripting, which is a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This particular implementation flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of affected users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised systems.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious input is accepted and stored within the plugin's database without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms. When other users view pages generated by the vulnerable plugin, the stored malicious scripts execute automatically in their browsers, creating a persistent threat that can affect multiple users over time. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious code is not limited to a single request or session but remains embedded within the application's data storage, making it particularly dangerous for administrators and regular users who may encounter the malicious content during routine plugin operation. This type of vulnerability is classified as a server-side input validation failure that allows malicious payloads to be executed in the context of legitimate user sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage the compromised user context. Attackers can exploit this flaw to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information from authenticated users, potentially leading to full administrative control of affected WordPress installations. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of the Gutenverse plugin, making it particularly concerning given that WordPress remains one of the most widely used content management systems globally. The attack surface is broad since the XSS can be triggered through various plugin functionalities that generate dynamic web content, including custom post types, page builders, or theme elements that utilize the vulnerable plugin components. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where WordPress installations may host sensitive business data or serve as critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS flaw, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The remediation process must include thorough code review of all input handling mechanisms and implementation of proper sanitization routines that follow OWASP secure coding practices. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all installed plugins and themes to identify similar weaknesses that may exist in the broader WordPress ecosystem. Additionally, regular security monitoring and user education regarding the risks of visiting compromised websites or clicking suspicious links can help reduce the overall attack surface and prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.