CVE-2024-11461 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the taunoh Form Data Collector plugin for WordPress, present in all versions up to and including 2.2.3. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input in the 'page' parameter, which is insufficiently sanitized and escaped before being included in web page generation. This allows an unauthenticated attacker to craft a malicious URL containing executable JavaScript code. When a victim clicks this link, the injected script executes in their browser context, potentially enabling theft of cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information, as well as manipulation of the displayed content. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, but user interaction (clicking a malicious link) is necessary. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user data but does not impact system availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is published and should be addressed promptly. This issue is classified under CWE-79, a common web application security weakness related to improper input validation and output encoding.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-11461 is the potential compromise of user confidentiality and integrity through the execution of arbitrary scripts in the context of the vulnerable WordPress site. Attackers can leverage this to steal session cookies, perform phishing attacks, or manipulate webpage content to deceive users. While the vulnerability does not directly affect availability, successful exploitation can lead to reputational damage, loss of user trust, and potential data breaches. Organizations running websites with the taunoh Form Data Collector plugin are at risk of targeted attacks, especially if their user base is large or includes privileged users. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation (no authentication required) and the widespread use of WordPress increase the risk profile. However, the need for user interaction somewhat limits automated exploitation. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits following public disclosure.

To mitigate CVE-2024-11461, organizations should immediately update the taunoh Form Data Collector plugin to a patched version once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators can implement the following measures: 1) Employ a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns targeting the 'page' parameter. 2) Sanitize and validate all user inputs rigorously, especially URL parameters, to prevent injection of executable scripts. 3) Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. 4) Educate users about the risks of clicking untrusted links and encourage cautious behavior. 5) Regularly audit and monitor web server logs for unusual requests or patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 6) Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable plugin if immediate patching is not feasible. These steps, combined with timely patching, will reduce the risk of exploitation and protect user data integrity and confidentiality.