CVE-2024-12072 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the WordPress plugin Analytics Cat – Google Analytics Made Easy, developed by fatcatapps. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.1.2. The root cause is the use of WordPress's add_query_arg function without proper escaping of URL parameters, which leads to improper neutralization of user input during web page generation, classified under CWE-79. An unauthenticated attacker can exploit this by crafting a malicious URL containing executable JavaScript code. When a victim clicks this specially crafted link, the injected script executes in the context of the victim's browser, potentially allowing theft of cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information, as well as performing actions on behalf of the user. The attack vector is remote (network), requires no privileges, but does require user interaction (clicking the malicious link). The vulnerability affects confidentiality and integrity but does not impact availability. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1, indicating medium severity. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability was published on December 12, 2024, with the initial reservation on December 2, 2024. This vulnerability is significant because WordPress is widely used globally, and plugins like Analytics Cat are common for integrating Google Analytics easily. Without mitigation, attackers can leverage this flaw for phishing, session hijacking, or other malicious activities targeting site visitors.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-12072 is on the confidentiality and integrity of user data and interactions on affected WordPress sites. Attackers can steal sensitive information such as cookies, authentication tokens, or personal data by executing malicious scripts in the victim's browser. This can lead to account compromise, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and erosion of user trust. While availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential regulatory consequences from data breaches can be significant. Organizations relying on the Analytics Cat plugin expose their users to these risks, especially if they have high traffic or handle sensitive data. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation (no authentication required, low complexity) increases the likelihood of targeted phishing campaigns or automated attacks. Given WordPress's global market share and the plugin's role in analytics, the impact can be widespread, affecting website owners and their visitors worldwide.

1. Immediate mitigation involves updating the Analytics Cat – Google Analytics Made Easy plugin to a version that addresses this vulnerability once released by the vendor. Since no patch links are currently available, monitor the vendor's official channels for updates. 2. As a temporary workaround, site administrators can implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious query parameters or script injection attempts targeting the plugin's URL patterns. 3. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers, reducing the impact of XSS attacks. 4. Educate users and staff about the risks of clicking unknown or suspicious links, especially those purporting to come from the affected site. 5. Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability scans focusing on plugin vulnerabilities and input validation issues. 6. Consider disabling or replacing the plugin with alternatives that follow secure coding practices if immediate patching is not feasible. 7. Review and harden site configurations to minimize exposure to reflected XSS, including sanitizing and escaping all user inputs and outputs.