CVE-2024-12441 identifies a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the BP Email Assign Templates plugin for WordPress, specifically in all versions up to and including 1.5. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user input in the 'page' parameter, which is insufficiently sanitized and escaped before being rendered in web pages. This allows unauthenticated attackers to craft malicious URLs containing JavaScript code that executes in the context of the victim’s browser when they click the link. The attack vector requires no authentication but does require user interaction (clicking a malicious link). The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user sessions and data by potentially stealing cookies, session tokens, or performing actions on behalf of the user. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and a scope change due to potential impact beyond the vulnerable component. Although no exploits are currently known in the wild, the widespread use of WordPress and its plugins makes this a significant risk. The plugin’s lack of proper input validation and output encoding is a classic example of CWE-79, highlighting the importance of secure coding practices in web applications.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is the compromise of user confidentiality and integrity on affected WordPress sites. Attackers can steal session cookies, hijack user accounts, or perform unauthorized actions by executing malicious scripts in the victim’s browser. This can lead to account takeover, data leakage, or further exploitation within the affected web application. While availability is not directly impacted, the trustworthiness of the website is undermined, potentially damaging organizational reputation. Organizations running WordPress sites with this plugin, especially those handling sensitive user data or providing critical services, face increased risk of targeted phishing and social engineering attacks leveraging this vulnerability. The ease of exploitation (no authentication required) and the common practice of sharing links increase the likelihood of successful attacks. The vulnerability also poses a risk to website visitors, including customers and employees, potentially leading to broader organizational security incidents.

To mitigate CVE-2024-12441, organizations should first check for updates or patches from the plugin vendor and apply them promptly once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should consider disabling or removing the BP Email Assign Templates plugin to eliminate exposure. Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block malicious input patterns targeting the 'page' parameter can provide interim protection. Site owners should enforce strict Content Security Policies (CSP) to restrict script execution sources, reducing the impact of injected scripts. Additionally, educating users about the risks of clicking unsolicited or suspicious links can reduce successful exploitation. Developers maintaining the plugin should adopt secure coding practices, including rigorous input validation, context-aware output encoding, and use of security libraries or frameworks that automatically handle these concerns. Regular security audits and penetration testing of WordPress plugins are recommended to identify and remediate similar issues proactively.