CVE-2024-13354 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Responsive Addons for Elementor – Free Elementor Addons Plugin and Elementor Templates, a popular WordPress plugin used to enhance Elementor page builder functionality. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of HTML tags in multiple widgets. This allows authenticated users with Contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes whenever any user accesses the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.6.4. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting medium severity, with an attack vector of network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges (Contributor or above), no user interaction, and scope change. Although no public exploits have been reported, the risk is significant due to the widespread use of WordPress and the plugin’s popularity. The vulnerability’s exploitation requires authentication but no additional user interaction, making it a credible threat in environments where multiple users have editing permissions. The lack of official patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate mitigation steps by administrators.

The impact of CVE-2024-13354 can be substantial for organizations using WordPress sites with the vulnerable Responsive Addons for Elementor plugin. Successful exploitation allows attackers with Contributor-level access to inject persistent malicious scripts, which execute in the browsers of any users visiting the compromised pages. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions performed with victim user privileges, defacement, or distribution of malware. For organizations with multiple content contributors or editors, the risk is elevated as attackers may leverage compromised accounts or social engineering to gain the required privileges. The vulnerability compromises confidentiality and integrity of user data and site content but does not directly affect availability. Given WordPress’s extensive use in corporate, governmental, and e-commerce websites worldwide, exploitation could result in reputational damage, data breaches, and regulatory consequences. The medium CVSS score reflects the need for timely remediation, especially in environments with multiple authenticated users.

To mitigate CVE-2024-13354, organizations should: 1) Immediately update the Responsive Addons for Elementor plugin to a patched version once available from the vendor. 2) In the absence of an official patch, restrict Contributor-level and higher permissions to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious script injection. 3) Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts targeting the affected widgets. 4) Conduct regular audits of user-generated content and pages for unexpected or suspicious scripts. 5) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict execution of unauthorized scripts in browsers. 6) Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforce strict input validation policies. 7) Monitor site logs for unusual activity indicative of exploitation attempts. 8) Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the vulnerable plugin if immediate patching is not feasible. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control, monitoring, and layered defenses tailored to the vulnerability’s characteristics.