CVE-2024-51940 in WP Responsive Video Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/19/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in sohelwpexpert WP Responsive Video allows DOM-Based XSS.This issue affects WP Responsive Video: from n/a through 1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical web application security flaw classified as improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically manifesting as a cross-site scripting attack. The vulnerability exists within the WP Responsive Video plugin, which is designed to handle video content display on wordpress websites. The issue is categorized as DOM-based XSS, indicating that the malicious script is executed within the victim's browser through manipulation of the Document Object Model rather than through server-side code injection. This particular vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin from the initial release through version 1.0, suggesting a fundamental flaw in the input handling mechanism that was not properly addressed during development.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or escaped before being incorporated into dynamically generated web page content. In the context of DOM-based XSS, the malicious payload is typically injected through parameters in the URL or through other client-side mechanisms that modify the DOM structure. When a user visits a page containing malicious input, the browser executes the injected script within the context of the vulnerable website, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious sites. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through social engineering techniques, such as sending malicious links via email or messaging platforms, without requiring any server-side compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the context of the compromised website. An attacker could potentially execute scripts that modify website content, steal user credentials, hijack sessions, or even escalate privileges if the affected website has administrative functions. The DOM-based nature of the vulnerability means that the attack vector is more subtle and harder to detect through traditional network monitoring, as the malicious code is executed client-side rather than being visible in server logs. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers the initial access phase through spearphishing attachments or links.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should begin with immediate patching of the WP Responsive Video plugin to the latest available version that addresses the XSS flaw. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent any user-supplied data from being directly executed as code. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, using proper input sanitization libraries, and conducting regular security audits of all installed plugins and themes. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests, while monitoring for anomalous user behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in web application development, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards.