CVE-2024-12126 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability identified in the SEO Keywords plugin for WordPress, developed by seomantis. The vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically involving the 'google_error' parameter. All versions up to and including 1.1.3 are affected. The plugin fails to adequately sanitize and escape user-supplied input, enabling unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages. When a victim clicks a maliciously crafted link containing the payload in the 'google_error' parameter, the injected script executes in the context of the victim’s browser. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without authentication but requires user interaction (clicking a link). The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level with low attack complexity and no privileges required. No public exploits or active exploitation have been reported yet. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user data but does not impact availability. The reflected nature of the XSS means the attack vector is limited to social engineering or phishing campaigns. The plugin is popular among WordPress sites focused on SEO, increasing the potential attack surface. Mitigation currently requires updating the plugin once a patch is released or implementing strict input validation and output encoding on affected parameters. Additionally, deploying Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can reduce the impact of injected scripts. Monitoring web traffic for suspicious query parameters and educating users about phishing risks are also recommended.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-12126 is on the confidentiality and integrity of users interacting with WordPress sites running the vulnerable SEO Keywords plugin. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in victims’ browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information such as cookies or credentials, and unauthorized actions performed with the victim’s privileges. While the vulnerability does not affect system availability, it undermines user trust and can facilitate further attacks like phishing or malware distribution. Organizations relying on this plugin risk reputational damage and potential data breaches if attackers leverage this flaw. Since the attack requires user interaction, the scope is somewhat limited but still significant given the widespread use of WordPress and SEO plugins. The vulnerability could be exploited in targeted attacks against website administrators, customers, or visitors, especially in sectors with high-value data such as e-commerce, finance, and media. Without timely mitigation, the risk of exploitation increases as attackers develop proof-of-concept exploits or integrate the vulnerability into automated scanning tools.

1. Immediately monitor for updates from the seomantis SEO Keywords plugin and apply patches as soon as they are released to fix the input sanitization flaw. 2. Until an official patch is available, implement strict input validation and output encoding on the 'google_error' parameter at the web application firewall (WAF) or server level to block malicious payloads. 3. Deploy a robust Content Security Policy (CSP) header that restricts the execution of inline scripts and limits sources of executable code to trusted domains, mitigating the impact of injected scripts. 4. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking suspicious links, especially those containing unusual query parameters. 5. Use security plugins or tools that detect and block reflected XSS attempts in real time. 6. Regularly audit and sanitize all user inputs and URL parameters in WordPress plugins and themes to prevent similar vulnerabilities. 7. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative access to reduce the risk of account compromise if session tokens are stolen. 8. Monitor web server logs and traffic for unusual patterns involving the 'google_error' parameter or other suspicious query strings. 9. Consider isolating or sandboxing critical WordPress instances to limit the blast radius of potential XSS attacks. 10. Maintain regular backups and incident response plans to quickly recover from any successful exploitation.