CVE-2024-51597 in Templates & Widgets for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in ThemeShark ThemeShark Templates & Widgets for Elementor allows Stored XSS.This issue affects ThemeShark Templates & Widgets for Elementor: from n/a through 1.1.7.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the ThemeShark Templates & Widgets for Elementor plugin, specifically targeting the web page generation process where user input is improperly sanitized. The issue manifests as a stored XSS vulnerability, meaning malicious scripts can be permanently injected into the plugin's functionality and executed whenever affected pages are loaded by other users. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of input data during template and widget generation, creating an attack vector where malicious actors can inject malicious JavaScript code that persists in the application's database or configuration files. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications where input validation and output encoding are insufficient to prevent malicious code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when administrators or users with appropriate privileges interact with the plugin's interface to create or modify templates and widgets. The plugin fails to properly neutralize user-supplied input before rendering it in web pages, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. This stored nature means that the malicious payload is not limited to a single session or request but remains active until manually removed, potentially affecting all users who encounter the compromised content. The vulnerability affects versions of the plugin from an unspecified starting point through version 1.1.7, indicating that the issue has existed for some time and has not been properly addressed in the affected release series.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the context of the compromised website. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, modify content, redirect users to malicious sites, or even establish persistent backdoors within the affected WordPress installation. The stored nature of the XSS vulnerability means that even users who do not actively interact with the compromised functionality can be affected when they view pages containing the malicious content, making this particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators may not immediately notice the compromise. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers 'Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment' and T1566.002 'Phishing: Spearphishing Link', as the malicious script execution can occur through various attack vectors including compromised admin sessions or user interactions with maliciously crafted content.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation to protect their WordPress installations. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of the ThemeShark Templates & Widgets for Elementor plugin where the XSS vulnerability has been patched, though administrators should verify the exact version that contains the fix. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed on the affected website. Regular security audits of installed plugins should include checking for known vulnerabilities, and administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and output encoding practices in web development, particularly for plugins that handle user-generated content in web page generation processes. Organizations should also consider implementing privileged access controls and monitoring for unusual administrative activities that might indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability.