CVE-2024-49270 in Smart Blocks Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/16/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in hashthemes Smart Blocks smart-blocks allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Smart Blocks: from n/a through <= 2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-49270 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the hashthemes Smart Blocks plugin, specifically impacting versions prior to and including 2.0. This weakness falls under the category of improper input neutralization during web page generation, creating a persistent security risk that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability is classified as stored XSS according to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, where malicious payloads are permanently stored on the server and executed whenever affected pages are rendered. The affected plugin operates within content management systems, particularly WordPress environments, where it facilitates the creation and display of smart blocks that can contain user-generated content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization and validation of input parameters within the smart-blocks plugin. When users create or modify smart blocks containing malicious script code, the plugin fails to properly escape or filter this content before storing it in the database. Subsequently, when other users access pages containing these stored blocks, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers within the context of the vulnerable website. This behavior aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for 'Run-time Process Injection' and represents a classic stored cross-site scripting attack vector that leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its users. The vulnerability exists because the plugin does not implement proper output encoding mechanisms for dynamic content, particularly when rendering user inputs in HTML contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and redirection to malicious sites. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, modify website content, inject malicious advertisements, or redirect users to phishing pages. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the attack remains effective until the malicious content is removed from the database, making it particularly dangerous for websites that rely on user-generated content or collaborative editing features. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of web applications, potentially compromising the entire website infrastructure and user data. The risk is amplified in environments where administrators or privileged users regularly interact with smart blocks, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-49270 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as recommended by the vendor. Organizations must implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, particularly when handling user-generated content. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution sources. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins and themes. According to industry best practices and ATT&CK framework recommendations, organizations should maintain up-to-date security patches, implement proper input sanitization routines, and establish monitoring procedures for anomalous script execution patterns. Additionally, regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and the importance of proper input/output handling can significantly reduce the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities in future implementations.