CVE-2024-54288 in LDD Directory Lite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in LDD Web Design LDD Directory Lite allows Reflected XSS.This issue affects LDD Directory Lite: from n/a through 3.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2025
This vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that exploits improper input handling during web page generation within the LDD Directory Lite WordPress plugin. The reflected XSS vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when executed by unsuspecting users, can steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect victims to malicious sites. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of LDD Directory Lite ranging from the initial release through version 3.3, indicating a long-standing issue that has not been adequately addressed in the plugin's codebase. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws and aligns with the ATT&CK framework's T1531 technique for credential access through web application vulnerabilities.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires attackers to inject malicious script code into input fields that are then reflected back to users through the web application's response. This typically occurs when parameters passed through URL query strings, form inputs, or HTTP headers are not properly validated or escaped before being rendered in HTML output. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script is executed immediately in the victim's browser when they access a specially crafted URL containing the payload. Attackers often leverage this by sending phishing emails or posting malicious links in forums where users might click through to trigger the XSS attack. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable session hijacking, defacement of web pages, or redirection to malicious sites that can harvest additional user information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for any website utilizing the affected LDD Directory Lite plugin, particularly those that rely on user-generated content or interactive features. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to administrative functions, data theft, or compromise of user accounts through session hijacking. The reflected nature of the attack means that successful exploitation requires user interaction, making social engineering a critical component of the attack vector. Security teams must consider the potential for this vulnerability to be exploited in targeted campaigns against specific user groups or to gain a foothold in larger network environments. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple versions indicates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's input processing logic that has not been adequately remediated, potentially leaving many installations exposed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the LDD Directory Lite plugin to the latest version that addresses the XSS flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures to prevent malicious code from being executed in web responses. Web Application Firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering suspicious input patterns, though this should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected plugin across their infrastructure and ensure proper access controls are in place. Regular security monitoring and code reviews are essential to prevent similar issues from emerging in custom-developed applications or other third-party components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of implementing secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software components to protect against common web application vulnerabilities.