CVE-2024-12415 is a code injection vulnerability classified under CWE-94 affecting the quantumcloud AI Infographic Maker plugin for WordPress, versions up to and including 4.9.0. The vulnerability arises because the plugin improperly controls the generation of code by failing to validate user-supplied input before invoking WordPress's do_shortcode function. This improper validation allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes remotely without any user interaction or authentication. Shortcodes in WordPress are a mechanism to embed dynamic content, and arbitrary shortcode execution can lead to unauthorized actions such as content manipulation, information disclosure, or limited code execution within the context of the WordPress environment. The vulnerability is exploitable over the network (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N), making it relatively easy to exploit. However, the impact is limited to confidentiality and integrity with no direct availability impact, resulting in a CVSS v3.1 score of 6.5 (medium severity). No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been observed in the wild. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin, which is used by WordPress site administrators to create AI-generated infographics, potentially exposing a wide range of websites to risk if unmitigated.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-12415 is unauthorized execution of arbitrary shortcodes on vulnerable WordPress sites, which can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of website content and data. Attackers could leverage this to inject malicious content, steal sensitive information, or manipulate site behavior. While the vulnerability does not directly affect availability, the integrity compromise could lead to reputational damage, loss of user trust, or further exploitation chains. Since no authentication or user interaction is required, the attack surface is broad, potentially affecting any publicly accessible WordPress site using the vulnerable plugin. Organizations relying on this plugin for content creation or marketing may face defacement, data leakage, or indirect compromise of backend systems if attackers chain this vulnerability with others. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as automated scanning tools could detect vulnerable sites. The medium severity rating indicates a moderate risk that should be addressed promptly to prevent exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-12415, organizations should first check for any official patches or updates from the quantumcloud plugin developers and apply them immediately once available. In the absence of patches, administrators should disable or uninstall the AI Infographic Maker plugin to eliminate the attack vector. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all shortcode inputs, ensuring that only authorized and safe shortcodes can be executed. Restrict plugin usage to trusted administrators and limit access to the WordPress backend to reduce exposure. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block suspicious shortcode execution patterns. Monitor WordPress logs and shortcode usage for anomalies indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, consider isolating WordPress instances or running them with least privilege to minimize potential damage from code injection. Regularly audit installed plugins for vulnerabilities and maintain an inventory to quickly respond to emerging threats. Finally, educate site administrators about the risks of installing unverified plugins and the importance of timely updates.