CVE-2024-10631 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified as a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue affecting the Countdown Timer for WordPress Block Editor plugin, versions through 1.0.5. This plugin is used within the WordPress ecosystem to embed countdown timers into pages or posts via the block editor interface. The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly validate and escape certain block options before rendering them on the front-end. This improper sanitization allows users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts that are stored persistently and executed whenever the affected page or post is viewed. The vulnerability is characterized by CWE-79, indicating a classic XSS flaw. The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.5, reflecting a medium severity with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L, meaning the attack can be launched remotely over the network with low attack complexity, requires privileges of a contributor or above, and user interaction (viewing the page) is necessary. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the vulnerable component, potentially impacting the entire WordPress site. The impact includes partial loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as malicious scripts could steal cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or deface content. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, and no official patches are linked at this time. The vulnerability was reserved in late 2024 and published in mid-2025 by WPScan, a reputable WordPress vulnerability database. This vulnerability is particularly relevant for WordPress sites that use this specific countdown timer plugin and allow contributor-level users to create or edit content, as it enables stored XSS attacks that can affect site visitors and administrators alike.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially to those relying on WordPress for their web presence and using the Countdown Timer for WordPress Block Editor plugin. The stored XSS can lead to session hijacking, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites, potentially damaging brand reputation and user trust. Confidential information could be exposed if attackers steal authentication tokens or cookies. The integrity of published content can be compromised, which is critical for organizations that rely on accurate and trustworthy information dissemination. Availability could also be affected if attackers inject scripts that disrupt site functionality. Given the medium severity and the requirement for contributor-level access, insider threats or compromised contributor accounts increase the risk. European organizations subject to GDPR must consider the implications of data breaches resulting from such attacks, as they could lead to regulatory fines and legal consequences. The vulnerability also raises concerns for sectors with high web traffic and sensitive data, such as e-commerce, government, and media organizations.

Specific mitigation steps include: 1) Immediate audit of WordPress installations to identify if the Countdown Timer for WordPress Block Editor plugin is installed and its version. 2) Restrict contributor-level permissions to trusted users only and review user roles to minimize the number of users who can create or edit blocks. 3) Implement web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block XSS payloads targeting this plugin. 4) Monitor site content for unusual scripts or injected code, especially in posts/pages containing countdown timers. 5) Encourage plugin developers or maintainers to release a patch that properly validates and escapes all block options before output. Until a patch is available, consider disabling or removing the plugin if feasible. 6) Educate content creators about the risks of XSS and safe content practices. 7) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. 8) Regularly update WordPress core and all plugins to the latest versions to reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities. These measures go beyond generic advice by focusing on user role management, active monitoring, and layered defenses specific to the plugin’s context.