CVE-2024-12494 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the BMLT Meeting Map plugin for WordPress, developed by otrok7. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.6.1 due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically within the 'bmlt_meeting_map' shortcode. The plugin fails to adequately sanitize and escape user-supplied attributes, allowing authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. This malicious code is stored persistently and executed in the browsers of any users who visit the affected pages, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability requires authentication but no user interaction for exploitation, and it affects the confidentiality and integrity of affected websites. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required. No public exploits or patches are currently available, emphasizing the need for immediate attention by site administrators. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79, which covers improper input neutralization leading to XSS attacks.

The impact of CVE-2024-12494 can be significant for organizations running WordPress sites with the BMLT Meeting Map plugin. Successful exploitation allows attackers with contributor-level access to inject persistent malicious scripts, which execute in the browsers of site visitors and administrators. This can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed with the victim's privileges, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. The compromise of administrative accounts could lead to full site takeover. Since the vulnerability affects input sanitization and output escaping, it undermines the integrity and confidentiality of the website and its users. Although availability is not directly impacted, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can be severe. Organizations relying on this plugin for meeting management or community engagement may face trust erosion and compliance issues if exploited. The requirement for authenticated access limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with multiple contributors or less stringent access controls.

To mitigate CVE-2024-12494, organizations should first check for updates or patches from the plugin vendor and apply them immediately once available. In the absence of official patches, administrators should restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and audit existing user permissions to minimize risk. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block malicious script injections in shortcode attributes can provide temporary protection. Site owners should also sanitize and validate all user inputs at the application level, ensuring proper escaping of output in shortcode rendering. Regular security scanning and monitoring for unusual script injections or changes in pages using the 'bmlt_meeting_map' shortcode are recommended. Additionally, educating contributors about safe input practices and monitoring logs for suspicious activity can help detect exploitation attempts early. Finally, consider disabling or replacing the plugin if it is not essential or if no timely patch is available.