CVE-2024-1238 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting all versions up to and including 3.0.6. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of script-related HTML tags (CWE-80) in the button ID parameter, where insufficient input sanitization and output escaping allow an attacker to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. This injected code is stored persistently and executed in the context of any user who accesses the affected page. Exploitation requires the attacker to have authenticated contributor-level access or higher, which is common in many WordPress environments where multiple users manage content. The vulnerability can lead to session hijacking, privilege escalation, defacement, or distribution of malware. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the risk remains significant due to the plugin's popularity and WordPress's large user base. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, especially in widely used CMS plugins.

The impact of CVE-2024-1238 can be substantial for organizations using the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin on WordPress sites. Successful exploitation allows an authenticated contributor or higher to inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of any users visiting the compromised pages. This can lead to theft of session cookies, enabling attackers to impersonate users with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full site compromise. It can also facilitate defacement, redirect users to malicious sites, or distribute malware. Since WordPress powers a significant portion of the web, including many business, government, and e-commerce sites, the vulnerability poses a risk to confidentiality and integrity of data and user trust. Although availability impact is minimal, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can be severe. The requirement for authenticated access limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with multiple content editors or contributors. Organizations failing to address this vulnerability may face targeted attacks, especially if attackers gain contributor credentials through phishing or other means.

To mitigate CVE-2024-1238, organizations should immediately update the ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin to a version that addresses this vulnerability once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and audit existing user permissions to minimize risk. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious script injections in the button ID parameter can provide interim protection. Additionally, site administrators should enable Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict execution of unauthorized scripts. Regularly scanning the website for injected scripts and monitoring logs for unusual activity can help detect exploitation attempts. Educating content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforcing strict input validation on custom fields can further reduce exposure. Finally, maintaining regular backups and an incident response plan will aid recovery if exploitation occurs.