CVE-2024-12593 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79, affecting the 'PDF for WPForms + Drag and Drop Template Builder' plugin developed by addonsorg for WordPress. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied attributes in the yeepdf_dotab shortcode, which is used to generate PDF content within WordPress pages. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages via the shortcode parameters. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes every time a user accesses the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing sensitive information, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without user interaction, with a low attack complexity, but requires authentication with contributor or higher privileges. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with partial impact on confidentiality and integrity, but no impact on availability. No patches or official fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 4.6.0 of the plugin, which is used in WordPress environments that rely on PDF generation and form integration. The flaw highlights the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, especially in plugins that handle user-generated content.

The impact of CVE-2024-12593 can be significant for organizations using the affected WordPress plugin, particularly those with multiple contributors or editors who have authenticated access. Successful exploitation allows attackers to inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in the context of any user viewing the compromised page, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of authentication tokens, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, defacement, or distribution of malware. This can undermine the confidentiality and integrity of the affected websites and their users. While availability is not directly impacted, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can have severe operational and compliance consequences. Organizations relying on this plugin for document generation or form processing may face increased risk of targeted attacks, especially if attackers gain contributor-level access through phishing or credential compromise. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests limited current exploitation, but the ease of exploitation and network accessibility make it a credible threat. Without timely mitigation, the vulnerability could be leveraged in broader attack campaigns against WordPress sites, which are widely used globally.

To mitigate CVE-2024-12593, organizations should first verify if they are using the affected versions (up to 4.6.0) of the PDF for WPForms + Drag and Drop Template Builder plugin. If a patched version becomes available, immediate upgrading to the latest secure release is recommended. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should restrict contributor-level and higher access to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious shortcode injection. Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious shortcode parameters or script tags can provide interim protection. Additionally, site owners should audit existing content for injected scripts and sanitize or remove any suspicious entries. Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help mitigate the impact of injected scripts by restricting script execution sources. Regular security scanning and monitoring for anomalous behavior related to shortcode usage are advised. Educating contributors about secure content practices and monitoring user activity logs can further reduce exploitation risk. Finally, developers of the plugin should be engaged to prioritize releasing a security patch that properly sanitizes and escapes user inputs in the shortcode.