CVE-2024-11190 is a medium-severity vulnerability classified as CWE-79 (Cross-Site Scripting, XSS) affecting the jwp-a11y WordPress plugin up to version 4.1.7. The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape certain settings inputs. This flaw allows users with high privileges, such as administrators, to inject and store malicious scripts within the plugin's settings. Notably, this attack vector remains exploitable even when the WordPress capability 'unfiltered_html' is disabled, such as in multisite environments, which typically restricts HTML input to trusted users. The vulnerability requires high privilege (admin) and user interaction (an admin must save malicious input), but it can lead to stored XSS attacks that execute in the context of other administrators or users viewing the affected settings pages. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 4.8, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, high privileges required, and user interaction needed. The impact primarily affects confidentiality and integrity, as malicious scripts could steal session tokens, perform actions on behalf of admins, or modify content. Availability impact is not significant. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or vendor advisories have been linked yet. The vulnerability is specific to the jwp-a11y plugin, which is designed to improve accessibility in WordPress sites, but the exact market penetration and usage statistics are not provided.

For European organizations using WordPress with the jwp-a11y plugin, this vulnerability poses a risk of privilege escalation through stored XSS attacks. If exploited, attackers with admin access could execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of other administrators or privileged users, potentially leading to session hijacking, unauthorized actions, or data leakage. This is particularly concerning for organizations managing multisite WordPress installations, common in large enterprises and public sector entities across Europe, where the unfiltered_html capability is often restricted. The confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data managed via WordPress could be compromised, impacting trust and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. However, since exploitation requires admin privileges and user interaction, the threat is somewhat limited to insider threats or compromised admin accounts. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the jwp-a11y plugin and its version. Until an official patch is released, administrators should consider disabling or uninstalling the plugin if it is not essential. For sites requiring the plugin, restrict admin access strictly and monitor for unusual admin activity. Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate the impact of potential XSS payloads. Additionally, review and sanitize all plugin settings inputs manually if possible. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting plugin settings. Regularly update WordPress core and plugins and subscribe to vulnerability feeds for timely patching once fixes become available. Conduct security awareness training for administrators to recognize and avoid introducing malicious inputs.