CVE-2024-4663 in Map Widget for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2024
The OSM Map Widget for Elementor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘id’ parameter in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.2 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that execute if they can successfully trick a user into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-4663 affects the OSM Map Widget for Elementor plugin, a popular WordPress plugin used to integrate OpenStreetMap functionality into websites built with the Elementor page builder. This plugin allows website administrators to embed interactive maps with various customization options, making it a widely adopted component in WordPress ecosystems. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 1.2.2, representing a significant security risk for WordPress sites that utilize this plugin. The flaw manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers without requiring any user authentication or privileged access to the affected system.
The technical flaw resides in the improper handling of the 'id' parameter within the plugin's code implementation. When user input is received through this parameter, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape the data before incorporating it into web page responses. This insufficient input validation creates an opening for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that can execute in the context of a victim's browser. The vulnerability is classified as reflected XSS because the malicious script is reflected back to the user through the web application's normal response mechanism, typically via a URL parameter that gets echoed back in the HTML output. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws where insufficient validation or sanitization of user-provided data allows attackers to inject malicious scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities through the compromised website. An attacker could craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when clicked by an unsuspecting user, would execute the injected code in the victim's browser. This could lead to session hijacking, where attackers steal user authentication cookies to impersonate legitimate users, or facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, defacement of website content, or redirection to malicious sites. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the attack requires social engineering to trick users into clicking malicious links, but once executed, the consequences can be severe for both website owners and their visitors. The vulnerability affects any user who visits a page containing the maliciously crafted URL, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with external links or where the plugin is widely used across multiple sites.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain by first identifying vulnerable WordPress installations, then crafting malicious URLs that exploit the reflected XSS flaw. The attack can be executed through various means including phishing campaigns, compromised advertising networks, or by embedding malicious links in forums and social media platforms where users might click through to the vulnerable site. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, as reflected XSS can serve as a stepping stone for additional exploitation techniques. The lack of authentication requirements makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited at scale without requiring any privileged access to the target system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-4663 should prioritize immediate action to address the vulnerability through official plugin updates. Website administrators must upgrade to the latest version of the OSM Map Widget for Elementor plugin where the XSS vulnerability has been patched. In the interim period before updating, administrators can implement additional protective measures such as input validation at the web application firewall level, implementing content security policies to restrict script execution, and monitoring for suspicious URL parameters in web server logs. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins or components within the WordPress environment, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping practices. Organizations should also implement user education programs to help prevent successful social engineering attacks that could exploit this vulnerability, as the reflected nature of the XSS makes user interaction necessary for successful exploitation.