CVE-2024-51616 in AwesomePress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Nazmul Hasan Rupok AwesomePress allows Stored XSS.This issue affects AwesomePress: from n/a through 1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw exists within the AwesomePress content management system where user input is not properly sanitized during the web page generation process, creating an environment where persistent malicious code can be stored and executed. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of AwesomePress ranging from the initial release through version 1.0, indicating that the input validation mechanisms were insufficiently implemented or completely absent in the affected codebase.
The technical implementation of this stored XSS vulnerability occurs when user-provided data is directly incorporated into web page content without proper HTML encoding or sanitization. When malicious scripts are submitted through input fields or parameters that are subsequently rendered on web pages, these scripts become permanently stored within the application's database or storage mechanisms. This stored nature means that every user who accesses the affected web page will execute the malicious code, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for widespread impact. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities and represents a failure in input validation and output encoding practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, deface websites, redirect users to malicious domains, or even execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser context. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise user accounts, especially if the application handles sensitive information or authentication mechanisms. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the attack vector remains active until the malicious content is removed from the system, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to compromised user sessions and data. This vulnerability also enables social engineering attacks where attackers can manipulate content to appear legitimate while executing malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The recommended approach includes implementing strict sanitization of all user inputs using established libraries and frameworks that can properly escape HTML characters and prevent script injection attempts. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code from running within the browser context. Additionally, the application should utilize parameterized queries and prepared statements to prevent injection attacks, while also implementing proper access controls to limit who can submit content. Regular security audits and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with the implementation of automated testing tools that can detect XSS vulnerabilities in web applications. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that all user inputs are properly sanitized before being stored or rendered in web pages, addressing the root cause identified in CWE-79 through proper input validation and output encoding practices.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. The stored nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly concerning as it can persist across multiple user sessions and browser interactions, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access to compromised systems over extended periods. Security teams should prioritize patching this vulnerability and implementing robust security controls to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of their web applications, as this type of vulnerability frequently appears in content management systems and web applications that fail to properly sanitize user inputs before rendering them in web pages.