CVE-2024-43938 in Name Directory Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/18/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Jeroen Peters Name Directory name-directory.This issue affects Name Directory: from n/a through <= 1.29.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2026
This cross-site scripting vulnerability resides within the Jeroen Peters Name Directory application, specifically impacting versions prior to 1.29.0. The flaw represents a classic input sanitization failure where user-provided data enters the web application without proper validation or escaping mechanisms before being rendered in web pages. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The vulnerability occurs during the web page generation process when the application fails to neutralize malicious input that could contain script code, allowing attackers to inject executable content into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input handling within the name directory application's rendering pipeline. When users submit data through forms or other input mechanisms, the application processes this information and incorporates it into dynamically generated web content without proper HTML escaping or sanitization. This creates an environment where malicious scripts can be executed in the context of other users' browsers, enabling attackers to perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or defacing the application interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core functionality of a name directory application, which typically handles sensitive personal information and user data that could be exploited for broader attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the application environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through session hijacking, or use the compromised application as a launching point for attacking other systems within the same network. The vulnerability's presence in versions through 1.29.0 suggests a prolonged window of exposure, potentially allowing attackers to develop and refine exploitation techniques. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1059.001 for command and control through script injection. Organizations using this application face significant risk of data breaches, reputation damage, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching to version 1.29.0 or later, which should contain proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization at multiple layers including client-side validation, server-side sanitization, and proper HTML escaping before any user-provided content is rendered in web pages. The application should employ Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and implement proper output encoding for all dynamic content. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in user input that might indicate attempted exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input handling vulnerabilities throughout the application codebase, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in the application's data handling practices.