CVE-2024-12405 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Export Customers Data plugin for WordPress, developed by fahadmahmood. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.2.3 due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied input in the 't' parameter. Reflected XSS occurs when malicious input is immediately returned in the HTTP response without proper neutralization, enabling attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. Because the vulnerability is exploitable without authentication, an attacker can craft a malicious URL containing a payload in the 't' parameter and trick a user into clicking it. Upon visiting the crafted link, the injected script executes in the context of the vulnerable website, potentially allowing theft of cookies, session tokens, or performing actions on behalf of the user. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, indicating improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1, with an attack vector of network (remote), low attack complexity, no privileges required, but requiring user interaction. The scope is changed, indicating that the vulnerability affects components beyond the vulnerable plugin itself, potentially impacting the broader WordPress site. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability was assigned and published by Wordfence and reserved on December 10, 2024, with public disclosure on December 24, 2024.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is on the confidentiality and integrity of users interacting with affected WordPress sites. An attacker exploiting this reflected XSS can steal sensitive information such as session cookies, enabling account hijacking or impersonation. They can also manipulate the content displayed to users, potentially conducting phishing attacks or spreading malware. Although availability is not directly impacted, successful exploitation can degrade user trust and damage the reputation of affected organizations. Since the vulnerability requires no authentication and can be triggered via a crafted URL, it poses a significant risk to any visitor of the vulnerable site. Organizations relying on the Export Customers Data plugin for customer data management are at risk of data exposure and unauthorized actions performed under user context. The scope change in the CVSS vector suggests that the vulnerability could affect other components or users beyond the immediate plugin, increasing the potential attack surface. Given WordPress's widespread use globally, the vulnerability could affect a large number of websites, especially small to medium businesses that use this plugin without rigorous security controls.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first check for updates or patches from the plugin developer and apply them immediately once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should consider temporarily disabling the Export Customers Data plugin to eliminate the attack vector. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block malicious input patterns targeting the 't' parameter can provide interim protection. Site owners should also enforce Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regularly auditing and sanitizing all user inputs in custom code and plugins is essential to prevent similar issues. Educating users about the risks of clicking suspicious links can reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation. Monitoring web server logs for unusual query parameters or repeated attempts to exploit the 't' parameter can help detect attack attempts. Finally, consider employing security plugins that provide XSS protection and input validation for WordPress environments.