CVE-2024-12268 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79, found in the Responsive Blocks – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks plugin for WordPress. This plugin enables users to add responsive content blocks to their WordPress sites using the Gutenberg editor. The vulnerability specifically affects the 'responsive-block-editor-addons/portfolio' block, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping allow authenticated users with Contributor-level or higher privileges to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. Because the injected scripts are stored in the WordPress database and rendered on pages, any user who accesses the infected page will execute the malicious code in their browser context. This can lead to session hijacking, privilege escalation, defacement, or other malicious activities depending on the attacker's payload. The vulnerability requires authentication but no additional user interaction, and the attack surface includes any site using this plugin version. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.4 reflects a network attack vector, low complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and impacts on confidentiality and integrity with no availability impact. No patches or exploit code are currently publicly available, but the risk remains significant due to the widespread use of WordPress and this plugin in particular.

The impact of CVE-2024-12268 is primarily on the confidentiality and integrity of affected WordPress sites. Attackers with Contributor-level access can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of any user visiting the compromised page, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to phishing sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users with higher privileges. This can lead to account takeover, data leakage, defacement, or further compromise of the website and its users. Since WordPress powers a large portion of the web, including many business, government, and personal sites, the vulnerability can affect a wide range of organizations globally. The requirement for authenticated access limits exploitation to insiders or compromised accounts, but such access is often easier to obtain than full administrative privileges. The vulnerability does not affect availability directly but can severely damage trust and operational integrity of affected sites.

To mitigate CVE-2024-12268, organizations should immediately update the Responsive Blocks – WordPress Gutenberg Blocks plugin to a version that addresses this vulnerability once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should restrict Contributor-level and higher permissions to trusted users only and audit existing user roles for unnecessary privileges. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious script injections targeting the vulnerable block can provide temporary protection. Site owners should also enable Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict execution of unauthorized scripts. Regularly scanning the site for injected scripts and monitoring user activity logs can help detect exploitation attempts. Finally, educating users about the risks of privilege escalation and maintaining strong authentication controls reduces the likelihood of attackers gaining the necessary access to exploit this vulnerability.