CVE-2024-11928 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79, found in the iChart – Easy Charts and Graphs plugin for WordPress, developed by quantumcloud. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.1.0 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping of the 'width' parameter. This parameter is used during web page generation, and because it is not properly neutralized, an authenticated attacker with Contributor-level or higher privileges can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. These malicious scripts are stored persistently and executed in the context of any user who accesses the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability requires authentication but no user interaction to trigger the payload once the page is accessed. The CVSS 3.1 score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required. The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the vulnerable component. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the risk remains significant due to the plugin’s usage in WordPress environments.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the browsers of users visiting compromised pages. This can lead to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information such as authentication tokens, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and defacement of website content. Since the vulnerability requires only Contributor-level access, an attacker who gains such access—potentially through compromised credentials or social engineering—can exploit it without needing administrative privileges. This broadens the attack surface within organizations using the plugin. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user data and can undermine trust in affected websites. Although availability is not directly impacted, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can have significant operational and financial consequences. Organizations running WordPress sites with this plugin are at risk, especially those with multiple contributors or less stringent access controls.

1. Immediate mitigation involves upgrading the iChart – Easy Charts and Graphs plugin to a version where this vulnerability is fixed once available. Since no patch links are currently provided, monitor vendor announcements closely. 2. Restrict Contributor-level and higher access to trusted users only, enforcing strong authentication and regular credential audits. 3. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting the 'width' parameter or typical XSS patterns in HTTP requests. 4. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected sites. 5. Conduct regular security reviews and scanning of WordPress plugins to identify vulnerable components. 6. Educate site administrators and contributors about the risks of XSS and safe input handling. 7. Consider temporarily disabling or removing the plugin if immediate patching is not feasible and the risk is unacceptable. 8. Monitor logs for unusual activity or attempts to exploit the vulnerability.