CVE-2024-51718 in Simple Modal Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Adam Dehnel Simple Modal allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects Simple Modal: from n/a through 0.3.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2025
This vulnerability represents a classic reflected cross-site scripting flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The issue exists within the Simple Modal plugin developed by Adam Dehnel, specifically affecting versions ranging from the initial release through version 0.3.3. The vulnerability occurs during the web page generation process when user input is not properly sanitized or escaped before being rendered back to the browser. This allows an attacker to craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when executed by a victim's browser, can perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and output encoding practices within the plugin's codebase. When user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into web page content without adequate sanitization, the system becomes vulnerable to reflected XSS attacks. Attackers can exploit this by constructing malicious URLs that contain script code within query parameters or other input fields. When a victim clicks on such a link, the malicious script executes in their browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, modifying page content, or redirecting users to malicious sites. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws and represents a common weakness in web application security where input validation fails to prevent script injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, or data exfiltration. An attacker could craft payloads that steal authentication tokens or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected back from the server to the user's browser, making it particularly dangerous in scenarios where users might click on links shared via email, social media, or other communication channels. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications where user input is frequently processed and displayed, as it can provide attackers with persistent access to user sessions and potentially system resources.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The most effective approach involves sanitizing all user input before it is processed or displayed, using context-appropriate encoding techniques such as HTML entity encoding for web page content. Additionally, implementing proper Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script execution. The plugin should be updated to the latest available version where this vulnerability has been patched, and administrators should conduct thorough security reviews of all plugins and components to identify similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security testing to detect and prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited in production environments. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date security controls as outlined in various security frameworks and standards including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for web application security.