CVE-2024-12167 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Shortcodes Blocks Creator Ultimate WordPress plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 2.2.0. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically due to insufficient sanitization and output escaping of the '_wpnonce' parameter. This parameter is commonly used in WordPress to verify nonce tokens for security, but in this case, it is mishandled, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. Because the vulnerability is reflected, the malicious script is embedded in a crafted URL or request and executed when a victim clicks the link or performs an action that triggers the vulnerable code. The attack does not require any authentication, making it accessible to unauthenticated attackers, but it does require user interaction (clicking a malicious link). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity by enabling theft of session cookies, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites, but it does not affect system availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1, reflecting medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and scope changed due to potential impact beyond the vulnerable component. No patches or official fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input leading to XSS.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential compromise of user confidentiality and integrity on websites using the affected plugin. Attackers can execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim’s browser, potentially stealing session cookies, performing actions on behalf of the user, or redirecting users to malicious sites. This can lead to account takeover, data theft, phishing, or reputational damage for affected organizations. Since the plugin is used within WordPress, a widely deployed CMS, the scope of affected systems is significant, especially for websites that rely on this plugin for shortcode management. The vulnerability does not directly impact availability but can indirectly cause service disruption if exploited for defacement or malicious redirects. Organizations with public-facing WordPress sites using this plugin are at risk, particularly if they have users with elevated privileges or sensitive data. The lack of authentication requirement lowers the barrier to attack, increasing risk. However, the need for user interaction (clicking a malicious link) somewhat limits automated exploitation. No known exploits in the wild reduce immediate risk but do not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits in the future.

Organizations should immediately verify if they are using the Shortcodes Blocks Creator Ultimate plugin, especially versions up to 2.2.0. If so, they should monitor the vendor’s channels for official patches or updates addressing CVE-2024-12167 and apply them promptly once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators can implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious requests containing malicious payloads in the '_wpnonce' parameter. Input validation and output encoding should be enforced at the application level if custom modifications are possible. Additionally, educating users to avoid clicking suspicious links can reduce the risk of exploitation. Site administrators should also ensure that WordPress core and other plugins are up to date to minimize overall attack surface. Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help mitigate the impact of XSS by restricting the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual activity related to user sessions or redirects are recommended. Finally, consider disabling or replacing the vulnerable plugin if it is not essential to site functionality.