CVE-2024-53756 in Vertical Carousel Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/01/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Aftab Husain Vertical Carousel allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Vertical Carousel: from n/a through 1.0.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-53756 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Vertical Carousel plugin developed by Aftab Husain. This stored XSS vulnerability occurs during the web page generation process when user input is improperly sanitized or neutralized before being rendered in web pages. The flaw specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.0.2, indicating a persistent security weakness that has existed for some time within the software's codebase.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's code. When users interact with the carousel functionality, their input data is stored in the system and subsequently retrieved for display in web pages without proper sanitization. This creates an environment where malicious actors can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The stored nature of this vulnerability means that once malicious input is submitted, it persists in the system and affects all users who view the affected content, making it particularly dangerous for web applications where user-generated content is common.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes affected websites to significant security risks including session hijacking, credential theft, and potential full system compromise. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in victims' browsers, potentially stealing cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers could redirect users to malicious sites, deface web pages, or establish persistent backdoors through the compromised plugin. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used carousel plugin means that numerous websites could be simultaneously affected, creating a substantial attack surface for threat actors.
The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. Organizations using this plugin should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest version where the vulnerability has been patched, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and conducting thorough security audits of all plugin components. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies, monitoring for suspicious user input patterns, and ensuring proper access controls are in place to limit the impact of potential exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing robust security practices in web application development and maintenance processes.