CVE-2024-51604 in Media Modal Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Carlo Andro Mabugay Media Modal allows DOM-Based XSS.This issue affects Media Modal: from n/a through 1.0.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-51604 represents a critical security flaw in the Media Modal plugin developed by Carlo Andro Mabugay, specifically targeting the improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This weakness manifests as a DOM-based cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The issue exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied input parameters that are directly incorporated into the Document Object Model without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms. The vulnerability affects all versions of the Media Modal plugin from the initial release through version 1.0.2, indicating a persistent flaw that has not been addressed in the affected release cycle.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize or encode input data before rendering it within the browser's DOM structure. When users interact with the Media Modal plugin, particularly when processing media content or handling user-generated parameters, the application directly incorporates these inputs into dynamic web page elements without appropriate security controls. This creates an environment where malicious actors can craft specially formatted input strings that, when processed by the plugin, execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers. The DOM-based nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script injection occurs within the client-side environment rather than being transmitted through server-side parameters, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent through traditional server-side input validation methods.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the affected web environment. An attacker could potentially steal user session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, modify page content, or even escalate privileges within the application context. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates that the underlying code design flaw has not been properly addressed, leaving users of the plugin continuously exposed to potential exploitation. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principles outlined in CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection attacks. The impact is particularly severe in environments where the plugin is used in conjunction with administrative or sensitive user accounts, as the injected scripts could potentially access protected resources or perform unauthorized actions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-51604 should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the identified input sanitization flaws. Administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious data from being processed within the DOM structure. The recommended approach includes implementing strict sanitization of all user-supplied parameters, employing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, and conducting thorough security reviews of all plugin components that handle dynamic content generation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar flaws in other plugins and web applications within their infrastructure. The remediation process should include not only updating to patched versions but also reviewing and strengthening the overall security posture of the affected systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.