CVE-2024-12449 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Video Share VOD – Turnkey Video Site Builder Script plugin for WordPress, versions up to and including 2.6.30. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied attributes within the 'videowhisper_player_html' shortcode. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages generated by the plugin. Because the malicious script is stored, it executes automatically whenever any user accesses the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond visiting the affected page, and the attacker only needs contributor-level access, which is a relatively low privilege level in WordPress. 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. Although no known exploits are reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using this plugin, especially those allowing multiple contributors. The root cause is the failure to properly neutralize input during web page generation, categorized under CWE-79. Mitigation requires either updating the plugin once a patch is available or implementing strict input validation and output encoding. Monitoring shortcode usage and limiting contributor permissions can reduce risk exposure.

The impact of CVE-2024-12449 can be significant for organizations relying on the Video Share VOD plugin for WordPress. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the affected website, leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive user data such as cookies or credentials, defacement of website content, and potential pivoting to further attacks like phishing or malware distribution. Since the vulnerability requires only contributor-level access, it lowers the barrier for exploitation, especially in environments with multiple content creators or less stringent access controls. The scope change indicated in the CVSS vector means the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially compromised component, potentially impacting the confidentiality and integrity of user data across the site. Although availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and user trust erosion can be substantial. Organizations hosting video content or community-driven sites using this plugin are at risk of targeted attacks, especially if they do not monitor or restrict contributor activities. The absence of known exploits in the wild suggests a window of opportunity for proactive defense, but also a risk of future exploitation once public proof-of-concept code emerges.

To mitigate CVE-2024-12449 effectively, organizations should: 1) Immediately review and restrict contributor-level permissions to only trusted users, minimizing the risk of malicious shortcode injection. 2) Monitor and audit all uses of the 'videowhisper_player_html' shortcode for suspicious or unexpected attribute values that could indicate attempted exploitation. 3) Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block common XSS payload patterns targeting this shortcode. 4) Apply strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data related to the plugin, either via plugin updates or custom code hooks if patching is not yet available. 5) Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforce content submission policies. 6) Regularly update the plugin once the vendor releases a patch addressing this vulnerability. 7) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the impact of any injected scripts by restricting script sources and execution contexts. 8) Conduct periodic security scans focusing on stored XSS vulnerabilities within WordPress environments, especially those with multiple contributors. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice and address the specific attack vector and privilege level involved in this vulnerability.