The JetElements plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via several widgets in all versions up to, and including, 2.7.2.1 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user supplied attributes. This vulnerability allows authenticated attackers, with contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
With a CVSS score of 6.4, this vulnerability is classified as medium severity. Organizations should assess their exposure to this issue, particularly those utilizing the JetElements plugin as it poses a real-world risk. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to compromise site integrity and potentially steal sensitive information.
Currently, there are no known exploits available for this vulnerability, and it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the nature of the vulnerability necessitates immediate attention from security teams to prevent potential exploitation.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate potential risks associated with this vulnerability, as it can lead to unauthorized content being executed in the context of a user's session.
Vulnerability Details
The JetElements plugin for WordPress, developed by Crocoblock, has been reported to have a vulnerability classified as CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation). The vulnerability is due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping on user-supplied attributes. This allows for the injection of arbitrary web scripts, which can be executed when users access the affected pages.
The CVSS 3.1 score is 6.4, indicating a medium level of severity. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is low, meaning that attackers can exploit this vulnerability with minimal effort. Required privileges are low, specifically requiring contributor-level access. User interaction is not necessary for the exploitation to occur.
The vulnerability was published on January 21, 2025, and affects all versions of the JetElements plugin up to and including 2.7.2.1. Organizations using the affected plugin should monitor for updates and ensure their installations are patched.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is related to improper handling of user input. Specifically, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize user inputs, allowing attackers to insert malicious scripts. This could lead to serious consequences, including data theft, session hijacking, or defacement of web pages.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit the vulnerability remotely without requiring physical access to the system. Given the low complexity of the attack, an attacker needs only contributor-level access to exploit this vulnerability. There is no requirement for user interaction, which increases the likelihood of successful exploitation.
The impact on confidentiality and integrity is rated as low, indicating that while sensitive data may be at risk, the primary concern is the injection of malicious scripts. Availability is not impacted. Organizations should take these factors into account when assessing the potential impact on their environments.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential exploitation by authenticated users with contributor access, leading to the execution of arbitrary scripts within the context of the affected application. This might compromise user data and the overall integrity of the website. Given that the attack complexity is low and no user interaction is needed, organizations need to be particularly vigilant.
The potential blast radius is significant, especially for websites that rely heavily on the JetElements plugin for their functionality. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability to execute scripts that can capture sensitive information or redirect users to malicious sites.
Considering the CVSS score of 6.4 and the absence of active exploitation in the KEV catalog, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. Remediation should be scheduled promptly to mitigate risks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected product is the JetElements plugin for WordPress, specifically all versions up to and including 2.7.2.1. Organizations should ensure they upgrade to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should update the JetElements plugin to the latest version as soon as possible. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing input validation and output escaping mechanisms to sanitize user inputs in the affected components.
For a comprehensive security posture, organizations may also benefit from conducting regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. Implementing a penetration testing program can help identify weaknesses before they are exploited.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual activity, particularly any instances of unauthorized script execution. Behavioral anomalies that deviate from normal user interactions may also indicate potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
Network signatures and system changes should be tracked to detect any potential exploitation attempts. Regularly reviewing user access levels can also help identify any unauthorized access that may lead to exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability in the JetElements plugin exemplifies the ongoing challenges in web application security, particularly regarding user input handling and script execution. Security teams must remain vigilant and proactive in their security measures to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.
Organizations should also consider establishing a vulnerability management program to systematically address and remediate vulnerabilities as they arise.
Moreover, engaging in penetration testing methodologies can provide insights into potential weaknesses and enhance an organization's defensive capabilities against such vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, staying informed about the latest security trends and best practices is crucial for organizations to defend against threats like those posed by this vulnerability.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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