CVE-2024-43346 in Modal Window Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Wow-Company Modal Window allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Modal Window: from n/a through 6.0.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/14/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in the Wow-Company Modal Window plugin that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of affected websites. The flaw occurs during the web page generation process where user input is not properly sanitized or escaped before being rendered back to users, creating an environment where persistent malicious code can be stored and subsequently executed. The vulnerability specifically affects versions ranging from n/a through 6.0.3, indicating a widespread impact across multiple iterations of the plugin. This stored XSS vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the application's database or storage mechanisms, meaning the malicious code will execute whenever legitimate users view the affected pages. The issue falls under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a fundamental weakness in web application security, where the application fails to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for website administrators and end users alike, as attackers can exploit this weakness to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, redirect victims to malicious sites, or even deface web pages. The stored nature of this XSS means that once the malicious payload is injected, it will continue to affect users until the vulnerability is patched and the malicious content is removed from the system. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566.001 - Phishing, as attackers can leverage stored XSS to deliver malicious payloads through infected web pages, and potentially under T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, when attackers use the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on compromised systems. The exploitation typically requires an attacker to gain access to a privileged account or find a way to inject malicious input into the modal window functionality, which then gets stored and executed when other users interact with the affected pages. This type of vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly for plugins and third-party components that handle user-generated content. The vulnerability impacts not only the immediate security of the affected website but also potentially compromises the broader security posture of organizations relying on the plugin for their web presence. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patching or implementing compensating controls such as web application firewalls and strict input validation measures to prevent exploitation of this stored XSS vulnerability.