CVE-2024-39644 in Black Widgets For Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Modernaweb Studio Black Widgets For Elementor allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Black Widgets For Elementor: from n/a through 1.3.5.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The issue specifically resides in the Black Widgets For Elementor plugin developed by Modernaweb Studio, where user input is not properly sanitized during the web page generation process. The vulnerability allows for stored XSS attacks, meaning malicious scripts can be permanently stored on the server and executed whenever affected pages are accessed by unsuspecting users. This particular weakness affects all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 1.3.5, indicating a prolonged exposure window where users remained vulnerable to this attack vector. The flaw occurs during the web page generation phase when user-provided data is processed without adequate input validation or output encoding, creating an opening for malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting. This classification specifically identifies the weakness where web applications fail to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The stored XSS aspect means that the malicious payload is persisted server-side rather than being reflected in a single request, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple users over time. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, or redirect users to malicious websites. The Elementor page builder context amplifies the impact since Elementor is widely used for creating dynamic web content, and the vulnerability can potentially compromise entire websites when widgets are rendered with malicious input.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise user sessions and data integrity. When users access pages containing the malicious scripts, their browsers execute the injected code, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to phishing sites. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that even users who do not directly interact with the malicious content can be affected when they view pages that contain the persisted malicious scripts. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in environments where Elementor is used for building corporate websites, e-commerce platforms, or any site where user authentication and sensitive data handling are involved. The attack surface is further expanded because Elementor widgets are commonly used in various website sections, making it likely that multiple pages could be compromised. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates that organizations using this plugin may have been exposed to attack for an extended period, potentially allowing attackers to establish long-term footholds within target environments.
Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the Black Widgets For Elementor plugin to mitigate this vulnerability, as version 1.3.5 represents the last affected release. System administrators should conduct thorough security assessments of their Elementor-based websites to identify any potential exploitation attempts or malicious payloads that may have already been injected. Implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms at the application level can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though the primary mitigation remains plugin updates. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual script injection patterns or unexpected modifications to website content. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping content management systems and their extensions updated, as outdated plugins represent common attack vectors. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional protection against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security audits of third-party plugins and themes are essential for maintaining website security, particularly for platforms like Elementor that rely heavily on widget-based content generation where input sanitization is paramount.