CVE-2024-4452 affects the ElementsKit Pro plugin for WordPress, which is vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting (XSS) due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions and above to inject arbitrary web scripts via the 'url' parameter. The injected scripts are executed whenever a user accesses the compromised page, posing a significant risk.
The severity of this vulnerability is classified as medium, with a CVSS score of 6.4. The presence of this vulnerability in widely used plugins such as ElementsKit Pro underscores the importance of maintaining updated security practices within the WordPress ecosystem.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive user data, manipulation of web content, and overall degradation of user trust. Given the exploitation status, organizations should address this vulnerability promptly to avoid falling victim to potential attacks.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, as the vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 3.6.1 of the plugin.
Vulnerability Details
The ElementsKit Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting via the 'url' parameter. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping, allowing authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.4, indicating a medium severity. The attack vector is classified as network-based with low complexity, and it requires low privileges. User interaction is not necessary for the exploitation of this vulnerability, making it particularly concerning.
The plugin version range affected by this vulnerability includes all versions up to and including 3.6.1. The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-79.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the lack of proper input sanitization and output escaping for the 'url' parameter. Attackers can craft payloads that exploit this weakness, resulting in the injection of malicious scripts. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is low, allowing for easy exploitation by those with the necessary permissions.
This vulnerability requires low privileges, meaning that even users with basic contributor-level access can exploit it. Importantly, user interaction is not required, which increases the risk of exploitation. The impacts on confidentiality and integrity are low, while availability is unaffected.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk for this vulnerability is significant, especially for organizations that utilize the ElementsKit Pro plugin. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to inject scripts that steal sensitive information or manipulate website content, leading to a breach of user trust.
Organizations should assess the blast radius of this vulnerability, particularly those with a large user base that relies on the affected plugin. The urgency for remediation is high, given the potential for exploitation by authenticated users. With the CVSS score indicating a medium severity, organizations should schedule remediation based on their patch management cycles.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
This vulnerability affects all versions of the ElementsKit Pro plugin for WordPress up to and including 3.6.1. Organizations running this plugin should verify their installation and apply necessary updates.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations are urged to update the ElementsKit Pro plugin to version 3.6.2 or later. If immediate patching is not possible, organizations should implement input validation and output encoding where applicable.
Organizations may also consider engaging in penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their systems.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor their logs for unusual activity related to the ElementsKit Pro plugin. Specific indicators of compromise may include unexpected script behavior or unauthorized changes to page content.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in the ongoing need for security in third-party plugins. As the WordPress ecosystem continues to grow, vulnerabilities like CVE-2024-4452 highlight the importance of regular security assessments and updates.
Security teams should take note of the patterns that arise from such vulnerabilities—particularly the ease with which they can be exploited and the low privileges required. This serves as a reminder of the need for robust security practices and monitoring.
For further insights, organizations may refer to resources on vulnerability management and penetration testing methodology that can help in identifying and mitigating such risks.
Organizations should also consider exploring our API penetration testing guide for additional security measures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)