CVE-2024-13388 identifies a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in the TCBD Tooltip plugin for WordPress, specifically in the 'tcbdtooltip_text' shortcode. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping of user-supplied attributes, allowing an authenticated attacker with contributor-level or higher privileges to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. When other users access these pages, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially compromising session tokens, redirecting users, or performing unauthorized actions within the context of the victim’s session. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.0 of the plugin. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N) indicates network exploitability with low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and a scope change due to the cross-site scripting impact extending beyond the initial component. No patches or official fixes are currently listed, and no active exploitation has been reported. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, which covers improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This flaw is particularly dangerous in multi-user WordPress environments where contributors can add content but are not fully trusted. The lack of output escaping means that malicious scripts can persist in the database and affect all visitors to the infected pages.

The impact of CVE-2024-13388 is primarily on confidentiality and integrity, with no direct availability impact. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of other users’ browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information, unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or defacement of website content. Since the vulnerability requires contributor-level access, it is less likely to be exploited by external unauthenticated attackers but poses a significant risk from insider threats or compromised contributor accounts. Organizations running WordPress sites with this plugin may face reputational damage, data leakage, and unauthorized privilege escalation. The scope of affected systems is limited to sites using the TCBD Tooltip plugin, but given WordPress’s widespread use, the potential reach is global. The vulnerability could be leveraged as part of a larger attack chain, especially in environments where contributors have broad content publishing capabilities.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first check for updates or patches from the plugin vendor and apply them promptly once available. In the absence of official patches, administrators should restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and consider temporarily disabling the TCBD Tooltip plugin if feasible. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block common XSS payloads can provide additional protection. Site administrators should audit existing content for injected scripts and remove any suspicious shortcode usage. Employing strict input validation and output encoding in custom plugin code or overrides can reduce risk. Regular security training for contributors to recognize phishing and social engineering attempts can help prevent account compromise. Monitoring logs for unusual activity related to shortcode usage or content changes is also recommended. Finally, consider using security plugins that scan for XSS vulnerabilities and malicious code injections.