CVE-2024-53746 in Elementor Button Plus Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/02/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in FlickDevs Elementor Button Plus allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Elementor Button Plus: from n/a through 1.3.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-53746 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the FlickDevs Elementor Button Plus plugin, specifically targeting the web page generation process where user input is improperly sanitized. This stored XSS vulnerability arises from insufficient validation and neutralization of input data that is subsequently rendered in web pages, creating an attack vector that can persist across multiple user sessions. The flaw exists in versions of the plugin ranging from an unknown starting point through version 1.3.3, indicating a potentially wide range of affected installations that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated HTML content. When administrators or users input malicious script code into fields that are later processed by the Elementor Button Plus plugin, the system does not adequately neutralize the input, allowing the malicious code to be stored within the application's database or configuration files. This stored payload then executes whenever the affected page is rendered, potentially affecting any user who accesses the compromised content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in input handling and output encoding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and the manipulation of user interfaces. An attacker could craft malicious input that, when stored and later displayed, could redirect users to phishing sites, steal authentication cookies, or inject additional malicious content into the compromised website. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the attack remains active until the malicious content is removed from the system, potentially affecting numerous users over extended periods. This vulnerability particularly threatens WordPress environments where Elementor is used for page building, as it can compromise the entire website's security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-53746 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as developers typically release patches that implement proper input sanitization and output encoding. Organizations should also implement additional protective measures including web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script patterns, regular security audits of plugin installations, and comprehensive input validation across all user-facing fields. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.005 which covers 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell', as the malicious scripts can execute within the user's browser context. Security teams should also consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution sources and reduce the impact of successful XSS attacks. Regular monitoring of plugin repositories and security advisories is essential to maintain awareness of similar vulnerabilities that may affect the WordPress ecosystem.