CVE-2024-12038 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, found in the svenl77 WordPress plugin that facilitates user-generated content through forms such as post submission, registration, and profile editing. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically within the 'buddyforms_nav' shortcode. The plugin fails to adequately sanitize and escape user-supplied attributes, enabling authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the content stored by the plugin. When other users access the affected pages, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing sensitive information, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 2.8.15. Exploitation requires authentication but no user interaction beyond viewing the infected page. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact with no availability impact. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk in multi-user WordPress environments with this plugin installed. The lack of official patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate mitigation steps.

This vulnerability can lead to significant security risks for organizations using the affected WordPress plugin, especially those with multiple authenticated contributors or public-facing user-generated content. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the affected website, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of authentication tokens, defacement of web pages, or redirection to malicious sites. This compromises the confidentiality and integrity of user data and can damage organizational reputation. Since the vulnerability requires contributor-level access, insider threats or compromised contributor accounts can be leveraged to exploit this flaw. The scope includes any website using the vulnerable plugin version, which could be widespread given WordPress's popularity. Although availability is not impacted, the breach of confidentiality and integrity can have cascading effects, including unauthorized access to backend systems if session tokens are stolen. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests limited active exploitation currently, but the medium severity score indicates a meaningful risk that should be addressed promptly.

1. Upgrade the svenl77 plugin to a version that addresses this vulnerability once available. Monitor the vendor's official channels for patches. 2. In the interim, restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and audit existing contributor accounts for suspicious activity. 3. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block typical XSS payloads targeting the 'buddyforms_nav' shortcode parameters. 4. Apply strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected pages. 5. Sanitize and validate all user inputs on the server side, especially those related to the vulnerable shortcode, using custom filters or plugins if patching is delayed. 6. Regularly scan the website for injected scripts or anomalies in user-generated content. 7. Educate site administrators and contributors about the risks of XSS and safe content submission practices. 8. Consider disabling or replacing the vulnerable plugin with alternatives that follow secure coding practices if immediate patching is not feasible.