CVE-2024-56241 in Templates for Elementor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/02/2025
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in WPKoi WPKoi Templates for Elementor allows Stored XSS.This issue affects WPKoi Templates for Elementor: from n/a through 3.1.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the WPKoi Templates for Elementor plugin, specifically categorized under CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. The flaw enables stored cross-site scripting attacks where malicious input can be persistently injected into web pages served by the affected plugin. The vulnerability exists within the web page generation process where user-supplied data fails to undergo proper sanitization before being rendered in HTML output contexts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by submitting malicious scripts through input fields or parameters that are then stored within the plugin's database or configuration files. When other users view pages generated by the plugin, their browsers execute the malicious scripts, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victims. The affected version range spans from the initial release through version 3.1.3, indicating this flaw has persisted across multiple iterations of the plugin.
The technical exploitation of this stored XSS vulnerability occurs when malicious payloads are submitted through input forms or data entry points within the Elementor template system. These payloads are then stored in the plugin's data structures and subsequently rendered in web pages without proper HTML escaping or context-appropriate sanitization. The vulnerability's persistence stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's template processing pipeline. When the Elementor editor or frontend rendering engine encounters stored user data, it fails to properly neutralize potentially dangerous characters such as angle brackets, quotes, or javascript protocols. This allows attackers to inject script tags or event handlers that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The flaw particularly impacts users who have administrative privileges or those who frequently interact with the plugin's template management features, as these roles often involve entering data that gets stored and later rendered.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution to encompass serious security implications for affected websites and their users. Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized access to administrative panels, data exfiltration, and the potential for privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. Attackers can leverage the stored XSS to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject additional malicious code that persists across multiple page views. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for credential harvesting attacks where user login information gets captured and transmitted to attacker-controlled servers. Organizations using this plugin may experience reputational damage, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to data breaches resulting from this flaw. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once an attacker successfully injects malicious code, it can affect multiple users over extended periods until the malicious content is removed or the vulnerability is patched.
Mitigation strategies for this stored XSS vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 3.1.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Administrators should implement input validation and output encoding mechanisms at multiple layers of the application stack, ensuring that all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before being stored or rendered. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting script execution and limiting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or custom code. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious script injection patterns. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles for plugin installations and user accounts can limit the potential damage from successful exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to provide an additional layer of protection against known XSS attack patterns. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while addressing the security vulnerability.