CVE-2024-9376 in Kata Plus Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2024
The Kata Plus – Addons for Elementor – Widgets, Extensions and Templates plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via SVG File uploads in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.7 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses the SVG file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability in the Kata Plus plugin for WordPress represents a critical stored cross-site scripting weakness that undermines the security of websites utilizing this popular Elementor addon. This issue affects all versions up to and including 147, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and execute malicious code within the context of affected websites. The vulnerability specifically manifests through SVG file upload functionality, where insufficient input sanitization allows attackers to embed malicious scripts that persist in the system and execute whenever files are accessed.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate validation and sanitization of SVG file uploads, combined with insufficient output escaping mechanisms. When authenticated users with Author-level privileges or higher upload SVG files containing malicious payloads, these scripts become permanently stored within the website's media library or designated upload directories. The vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the WordPress platform and its file handling systems, allowing attackers to bypass normal security controls that would typically prevent script execution in uploaded content.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to establish persistent footholds within compromised websites. Once an attacker successfully uploads malicious SVG files, they can execute scripts that may steal user credentials, redirect traffic to malicious sites, or perform other harmful activities. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that victims need only access the compromised website to be exposed to the malicious code execution, making it particularly dangerous for websites with multiple users or high visitor volumes.
The security implications align with CWE-79 which identifies cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a fundamental weakness in web application security. This classification specifically addresses the improper sanitization of user-provided input that leads to script execution in web browsers. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.002 which covers social engineering through malicious file attachments, as attackers can leverage this weakness to deliver malicious content to unsuspecting users through seemingly legitimate SVG files.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization and escaping deficiencies, along with comprehensive review of existing SVG uploads for malicious content. Administrators should implement strict file validation mechanisms that verify SVG content integrity and remove any embedded script elements before allowing uploads. Network-based solutions such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, while regular security audits of uploaded content help identify potential compromises. Access control measures should be reinforced to limit upload privileges to trusted administrators only, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers with lower privilege levels.