CVE-2024-51662 in Black 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 Modernaweb Studio Black Widgets For Elementor allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Black Widgets For Elementor: from n/a through 1.3.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/01/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the Black Widgets For Elementor plugin developed by Modernaweb Studio, specifically targeting the web application's input validation mechanisms. The issue manifests as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation, creating a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious code into the application's output. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 1.3.6, indicating a prolonged exposure window where users have been potentially at risk. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, where input data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious payloads persist in the application's database and can affect multiple users who view the affected content, unlike reflected XSS which requires user interaction with a malicious link.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes user input through its widget interfaces without adequate sanitization or encoding of potentially malicious content. Attackers can exploit this by creating or modifying widget configurations that contain malicious JavaScript code within input fields. When other users view pages containing these widgets, the malicious code executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators or privileged users interact with the plugin's interface. This weakness directly violates the principle of input validation and output encoding, which are fundamental security practices in web application development and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for WordPress sites using the affected plugin, as it creates a persistent threat that can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to full system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, steal administrator credentials, or manipulate content displayed on the website. The stored nature means that even if the initial injection occurs during a brief window, the malicious code remains active until manually removed, providing attackers with extended persistence. Organizations using Elementor with Black Widgets For Elementor are particularly at risk as the plugin's functionality typically involves rich text editing and widget configuration, providing multiple entry points for malicious input. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security hygiene in the plugin's development lifecycle, as proper input validation and output encoding should have been implemented during the design phase. This flaw can be exploited by attackers at various skill levels due to its straightforward nature, making it a preferred target for automated exploitation tools and increasing the overall risk to affected websites.
Organizations should immediately update to the latest version of the Black Widgets For Elementor plugin to remediate this vulnerability, as no patch is available for versions prior to the fixed release. System administrators should implement additional monitoring for suspicious widget configurations and content modifications, particularly in areas where user input is accepted. Network security controls such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by detecting and blocking known malicious patterns in HTTP requests. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all Elementor-based websites to identify potential exploitation attempts and ensure proper input sanitization across all plugin components. Regular security audits of third-party plugins should include verification of input validation practices and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into the web application stack. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining current security practices and the necessity of thorough security testing before deploying any web application components that handle user-provided data.