CVE-2024-47628 in Element Kit for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/05/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in LA-Studio LA-Studio Element Kit for Elementor lastudio-element-kit allows Stored XSS.This issue affects LA-Studio Element Kit for Elementor: from n/a through <= 1.3.9.3.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the LA-Studio Element Kit for Elementor plugin, specifically impacting versions up to and including 1.3.9.3. The weakness occurs during web page generation when user input is improperly neutralized, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be persistently stored and executed. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category for Cross-site Scripting, which is a fundamental web application security concern that allows attackers to inject client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that once malicious code is injected, it remains persistent in the application's database and will execute every time the affected page is loaded, making it particularly dangerous for content management systems that rely heavily on user-generated content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's web page generation process. When administrators or users create content through the Elementor interface, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before storing it in the database. This allows malicious actors to inject script tags or other malicious code that will execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the plugin level rather than requiring specific user interactions beyond normal content creation, making it easier for attackers to exploit. The attack surface is expanded when considering that Elementor is a popular page builder plugin with widespread adoption, meaning that successful exploitation could affect numerous websites simultaneously.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive data, or redirect users to malicious sites. According to ATT&CK framework category T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, this vulnerability represents a prime target for attackers seeking to establish persistent access to web applications. The stored XSS nature means that even after the initial injection, the malicious code continues to execute without requiring repeated user interactions, allowing attackers to maintain access and potentially escalate privileges. Organizations using this plugin may experience unauthorized access to their websites, data breaches, or reputational damage from defacement. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to harvest cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information from users who view the affected pages, making it a significant threat to both website integrity and user security.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address this vulnerability, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should conduct thorough security audits of all plugins and themes to identify similar vulnerabilities, particularly those related to user input handling and sanitization. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Security measures should include regular monitoring for unauthorized content changes, implementation of web application firewalls, and comprehensive security training for administrators. According to industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 2021, this vulnerability aligns with the A03:2021 - Injection category, emphasizing the need for proper input validation and output encoding. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to proactively identify similar weaknesses in the web application stack, ensuring that all components maintain appropriate security controls against cross-site scripting attacks.