CVE-2024-12453 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Uptodown APK Download Widget plugin for WordPress, present in all versions up to and including 0.1.2. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied attributes in the plugin's 'utd-widget' shortcode. This flaw allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages where the shortcode is used. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes whenever any user accesses the affected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, with an attack vector of network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction, and scope changed (S:C). The impact affects confidentiality and integrity but not availability. No patches are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability was published on January 7, 2025, and assigned by Wordfence. Given the nature of WordPress plugins and their widespread use, this vulnerability poses a risk to websites using this specific plugin, especially those allowing contributor-level access to untrusted users.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-12453 is the potential compromise of website user confidentiality and integrity. Attackers with contributor-level access can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of any visitor to the infected pages, enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed with the victim's privileges. This can lead to further compromise of the website, defacement, or distribution of malware. Because the vulnerability requires authenticated access, the risk is somewhat mitigated but remains significant in environments where contributor roles are assigned to multiple or less trusted users. The scope change in the CVSS vector indicates that the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially compromised component, potentially impacting the entire website or user base. Organizations relying on this plugin risk reputational damage, data breaches, and loss of user trust if exploited. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests limited active exploitation currently, but the vulnerability's presence in a popular CMS plugin makes it a likely target for future attacks.

To mitigate CVE-2024-12453, organizations should first check for and apply any available updates or patches from the plugin vendor once released. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should consider disabling or removing the Uptodown APK Download Widget plugin to eliminate the attack surface. Restrict contributor-level access strictly to trusted users and review existing user permissions to minimize risk. Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block XSS payloads, particularly those targeting the 'utd-widget' shortcode. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of plugins and user-generated content to identify and sanitize unsafe inputs. Additionally, enable Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of injected scripts by restricting script execution sources. Monitoring website logs for unusual activity related to shortcode usage can help detect exploitation attempts early. Educate content contributors about safe input practices and the risks of injecting untrusted content.