CVE-2024-51701 in MG Post Contributors Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Mahesh Waghmare MG Post Contributors allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects MG Post Contributors: from n/a through 1.3..
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
This vulnerability represents a classic reflected cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security integrity of the MG Post Contributors plugin developed by Mahesh Waghmare. The issue stems from improper input sanitization during web page generation processes, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to adequately neutralize user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this reflected XSS vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload and delivers it through a specially crafted URL or form submission that gets reflected back to the user's browser. The plugin's failure to properly sanitize input parameters during the page generation phase enables the execution of malicious JavaScript code within the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further malicious activities. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a well-documented and commonly exploited weakness in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to cookie theft, session manipulation, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers can leverage this flaw to impersonate legitimate users, access sensitive data, or modify content on the affected website. The vulnerability affects all versions of the MG Post Contributors plugin from the initial release through version 1.3, indicating a prolonged period during which the security flaw remained unaddressed. This extended timeframe increases the risk exposure for affected systems, as more users may have been impacted over time.
The security implications of this reflected XSS vulnerability align with several tactics identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. Attackers can use this vulnerability as a vector for delivering malicious payloads, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the attack requires user interaction with a malicious link, making it more difficult to exploit at scale but still highly dangerous when successful. Organizations using this plugin should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper content security policies to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices in web application development, as highlighted in industry security standards and best practices.