CVE-2024-43307 in Structured Content Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Gordon Böhme, Antonio Leutsch Structured Content allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Structured Content: from n/a through 1.6.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2025
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 manifests as a stored XSS vulnerability within the Structured Content plugin developed by Gordon Böhme and Antonio Leutsch, specifically affecting versions ranging from the initial release through 1.6.2. The vulnerability occurs during the web page generation process when input data is not properly sanitized or neutralized before being rendered in the browser. This allows malicious actors to persistently inject malicious code that executes in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the affected system.
The technical root cause stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's content handling system. When users submit content through the structured content interface, the system fails to properly escape or sanitize special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This flaw aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it susceptible to various XSS attack vectors. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that malicious payloads remain persistent in the system's database and are executed whenever affected pages are rendered, unlike reflected XSS which requires user interaction with a crafted link.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, and potentially escalate privileges within the affected environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts that can access cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive data stored in the browser. The vulnerability affects any user who has access to the structured content management system and can submit content, creating a wide attack surface. This weakness can be exploited through various vectors including user profile modifications, content submission forms, or administrative interfaces that process user input. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the vulnerability remains active until patched, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to the system.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Structured Content plugin to version 1.6.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures throughout their web applications, ensuring that all user-supplied content is properly sanitized before being stored or displayed. Security headers such as Content Security Policy should be implemented to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application ecosystem. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to the principle of least privilege when handling user input, as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for web application exploitation techniques.