CVE-2024-13564 identifies a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in the Rife Elementor Extensions & Templates plugin for WordPress, specifically in the Writing Effect Headline shortcode. This vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation, classified under CWE-79. The plugin fails to adequately sanitize and escape attributes provided by users, enabling attackers with contributor-level or higher privileges to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes whenever any user accesses the affected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions within the context of the victim’s browser session. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 1.2.5. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality and integrity with a scope change. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk in environments where multiple users have contributor or higher roles. The issue was published on February 22, 2025, and assigned by Wordfence. No official patches were linked at the time of reporting, indicating the need for vigilance and interim mitigations.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential for attackers with contributor-level access to inject persistent malicious scripts into WordPress pages, which execute in the browsers of any users viewing those pages. This can lead to session hijacking, theft of authentication tokens, defacement of website content, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and potential spread of malware. Since the attack requires authenticated access, the risk is higher in environments with multiple contributors or editors. The compromise of user confidentiality and integrity can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches, and disrupt normal website operations. Given WordPress's widespread use globally, especially for content management and e-commerce, the vulnerability could affect a large number of websites, particularly those using the vulnerable plugin. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability becomes widely known.

Organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the use of the Rife Elementor Extensions & Templates plugin and verify the version in use. Until an official patch is released, administrators should restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and consider temporarily disabling or removing the vulnerable shortcode functionality. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns targeting the Writing Effect Headline shortcode can provide interim protection. Additionally, implementing strict Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help mitigate the impact of injected scripts. Regularly monitoring website logs for unusual activity and scanning for injected scripts is recommended. Once a patch becomes available, it should be applied promptly. Educating content contributors about safe input practices and the risks of injecting untrusted content is also beneficial. Finally, maintaining a principle of least privilege for user roles reduces the attack surface.