CVE-2024-13400 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the Kona Gallery Block plugin for WordPress, specifically within the 'Kona: Instagram for Gutenberg' block's 'align' attribute. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), where the plugin fails to adequately sanitize and escape user-supplied input before rendering it on pages. This flaw allows authenticated users with Contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages or posts. When other users access these pages, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or defacement. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.7 of the plugin. Exploitation does not require user interaction beyond viewing the compromised page but does require authentication with at least Contributor privileges. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk given the widespread use of WordPress and the plugin in question.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-13400 is on the confidentiality and integrity of users interacting with affected WordPress sites. Attackers with Contributor-level access can inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of site visitors or administrators, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of victims. This can lead to account compromise, data leakage, and reputational damage for affected organizations. Although availability is not directly impacted, the injected scripts could be used to deface websites or conduct phishing attacks, indirectly affecting service trustworthiness. Organizations relying on the Kona Gallery Block plugin, especially those with multiple contributors or public-facing content, face increased risk of targeted attacks leveraging this vulnerability. The requirement for authenticated access somewhat limits exploitation but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with many contributors or weak access controls.

To mitigate CVE-2024-13400, organizations should first check for and apply any official patches or updates from the gubbigubbi vendor once available. In the absence of patches, administrators should restrict Contributor-level access to trusted users only and review existing user permissions to minimize risk. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts targeting the 'align' attribute can provide interim protection. Site owners should also audit content created by contributors for suspicious code and sanitize inputs manually if possible. Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help limit the impact of injected scripts by restricting script execution sources. Regular security scanning and monitoring for anomalous behavior or injected scripts on pages using the Kona Gallery Block are recommended. Finally, educating contributors about secure content practices and monitoring user activity can reduce the likelihood of exploitation.