CVE-2024-53709 in Generic Elements Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/02/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in bdevs Generic Elements allows DOM-Based XSS.This issue affects Generic Elements: from n/a through 1.2.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the bdevs Generic Elements plugin, specifically manifesting as a DOM-based XSS attack vector that exploits improper input neutralization during web page generation processes. The vulnerability exists in versions ranging from n/a through 1.2.3, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple releases of the plugin. The issue stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters that are directly incorporated into dynamic web content without proper encoding or validation mechanisms, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical execution of this DOM-based XSS vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize input values that are subsequently processed within the browser's Document Object Model, allowing attackers to manipulate the DOM structure through crafted malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection targeting web applications. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates entirely within the browser environment without requiring server-side processing, making it more difficult to detect and prevent through traditional server-side security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform a wide range of malicious activities including credential theft, defacement of web pages, redirection to malicious sites, and establishment of persistent backdoors through the execution of malicious JavaScript code within the victim's browser context. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious URLs or embedding malicious content in user-generated inputs that are then processed by the plugin, leading to unauthorized execution of arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser session. This creates a significant risk for websites utilizing the affected plugin, as any user interaction with compromised content can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential compromise of the entire web application infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the identified XSS vulnerability, while also implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Security measures should include the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, regular security audits of user input handling processes, and the deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns. Organizations should also conduct thorough penetration testing to identify potential exploitation vectors and establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous user behavior that may indicate successful exploitation attempts. Additionally, developers should follow secure coding practices that enforce proper input sanitization and output encoding, particularly when handling dynamic content generation processes that interact with user-supplied data through DOM manipulation functions.