CVE-2024-51591 in Slicko Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in wpgrids Slicko allows DOM-Based XSS.This issue affects Slicko: from n/a through 1.2.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical web application security flaw classified as improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically manifesting as a cross-site scripting attack vector. The issue resides within the wpgrids Slicko plugin, which is designed for WordPress environments, and affects versions ranging from an unspecified starting point through version 1.2.0. The vulnerability is categorized as DOM-based XSS, meaning the malicious script is executed as a result of modifying the DOM environment in the victim's browser rather than being reflected in the web page's response. This type of vulnerability operates at the client-side level, where the malicious payload is injected into the web page's DOM structure through manipulation of user-supplied data that is not properly sanitized or validated. The attack occurs when the application processes user input and incorporates it directly into the page's dynamic content without adequate sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly escape or filter user-provided parameters before they are rendered in the web page's DOM structure. When a user interacts with the affected plugin or visits a page containing malicious input, the JavaScript code executes within the context of the victim's browser session, potentially allowing attackers to perform actions on behalf of users or steal sensitive information. This DOM-based XSS vulnerability typically exploits the way web applications handle URL parameters or other client-side data that gets processed and displayed without proper input validation. The attack vector often involves manipulating URL fragments or query parameters that are then consumed by JavaScript code within the page, leading to execution of malicious scripts in the victim's browser context. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79, which defines the improper neutralization of input during web page generation as a fundamental weakness in web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including credential theft, session manipulation, and potentially full system compromise if users with administrative privileges are targeted. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when visited by victims, execute scripts that steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject additional malicious content. The vulnerability affects the integrity of the web application's user interface and can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionality within the WordPress environment. Given that this affects a plugin used in WordPress installations, the potential attack surface is significant, particularly in environments where multiple users interact with the platform. The DOM-based nature of the vulnerability means that traditional server-side input validation may not prevent exploitation, as the attack occurs client-side after the page has loaded and the malicious code has been executed within the browser context. This makes detection and prevention more challenging compared to reflected or stored XSS variants.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding practices throughout the application's codebase. The recommended approach includes validating all user-supplied input parameters and ensuring that any data incorporated into the DOM structure undergoes appropriate escaping or encoding before rendering. Developers should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit the sources from which scripts can be executed, and employ proper input validation mechanisms that reject or sanitize potentially malicious content. The specific fix for this vulnerability would involve updating the Slicko plugin to version 1.2.1 or later, which contains the necessary code modifications to properly sanitize user input before it is processed and rendered within the web page's DOM. Additionally, administrators should monitor their WordPress installations for similar vulnerabilities and ensure that all plugins and themes are regularly updated to address known security issues. The remediation process should also include implementing proper security headers, conducting regular security audits, and establishing input validation frameworks that align with industry standards such as those defined in the OWASP Top Ten project and the ATT&CK framework's web application attack patterns.