CVE-2024-33649: Mitigating the Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerability in WordPress Opal Widgets For Elementor Plugin

Overview of CVE-2024-33649

CVE-2024-33649 identifies a crucial security vulnerability in the WordPress Opal Widgets For Elementor plugin, affecting versions up to and including 1.6.9. This vulnerability, assigned and published by Patchstack, relates to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, also known as Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).

Affected Product: Opal Widgets For Elementor

Vendor: WpOpal

Versions Affected: Up to version 1.6.9

Technical Details

The vulnerability is categorized as a Stored XSS (CAPEC-592), identified under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation). Due to inadequate input validation, attackers can inject malicious scripts into web pages that are executed by the victim's browser when visiting the compromised site. The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.5 (Medium), indicating the following attributes:

• Attack Vector: Network
• Attack Complexity: Low
• Privileges Required: Low
• User Interaction: Required
• Scope: Changed
• Confidentiality Impact: Low
• Integrity Impact: Low
• Availability Impact: Low

Mitigation Strategies

To combat the CVE-2024-33649 vulnerability, it is essential to follow these mitigation steps:

1. Update the Plugin:
Ensure that you update the Opal Widgets For Elementor plugin to the latest version provided by WpOpal that resolves this vulnerability. Regularly check WordPress and WpOpal forums for updates.

2. Input Validation:
Implement proper input validation mechanisms to deny potential XSS payloads. This can include using built-in functions or libraries dedicated to sanitizing user inputs.

3. Use a Web Application Firewall (WAF):
Deploy a WAF to detect and block malicious traffic before it reaches your web application.

4. Content Security Policy (CSP):
Enforce a Content Security Policy to restrict the execution of untrusted scripts on your website, thus mitigating the risk of XSS attacks.

Conclusion

The CVE-2024-33649 vulnerability within the Opal Widgets For Elementor plugin poses significant risks due to its potential to execute malicious scripts through Stored XSS. By promptly updating the affected plugin, implementing robust input validation, deploying a WAF, and enforcing CSP, you can effectively mitigate the associated risks. It is crucial to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing vulnerabilities to protect your website and users from cyber threats.

For more detailed information regarding this vulnerability, please visit the official Patchstack advisory at Patchstack.