CVE-2024-52387 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the Master Addons for Elementor plugin, a popular WordPress extension developed by Liton Arefin. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during the generation of web pages, allowing malicious scripts to be stored persistently within the site’s content. When other users or administrators visit the affected pages, the malicious JavaScript executes in their browsers, potentially compromising session tokens, cookies, or enabling further attacks such as phishing or malware delivery. This vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to and including 2.0.9.9.4. Stored XSS is particularly dangerous because the malicious payload remains on the server and can impact multiple users over time. Exploitation requires no authentication and minimal user interaction, increasing the risk of widespread impact. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability has been officially published and should be considered a significant risk for websites using this plugin. The lack of a CVSS score necessitates an independent severity assessment based on the nature of the vulnerability and its potential consequences.

The stored XSS vulnerability in Master Addons for Elementor can have severe consequences for affected organizations. Attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript in the browsers of site visitors, leading to theft of session cookies, user credentials, or other sensitive information. This can result in account takeover, unauthorized access to administrative functions, and data breaches. Additionally, attackers may deface websites or redirect users to malicious sites, damaging brand reputation and user trust. The persistent nature of stored XSS means the malicious code can affect multiple users over an extended period until remediated. Organizations relying on this plugin for their WordPress sites, especially those handling sensitive customer data or financial transactions, face increased risk. The vulnerability can also facilitate further attacks within the network if administrative credentials are compromised. Given the widespread use of WordPress and its plugins globally, the potential impact is significant.

1. Monitor for and apply official patches or updates from Liton Arefin as soon as they are released to address CVE-2024-52387. 2. Until a patch is available, implement manual input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data fields within the plugin’s scope to neutralize malicious scripts. 3. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block XSS payloads targeting WordPress plugins. 4. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on plugin vulnerabilities and input sanitization. 5. Educate site administrators and users about the risks of XSS and encourage cautious handling of content inputs. 6. Limit administrative privileges and enforce strong authentication to reduce the impact of compromised accounts. 7. Backup website data regularly to enable quick restoration in case of defacement or compromise. 8. Monitor website traffic and logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts.