CVE-2024-22551 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in WhatACart version 2.0.7, specifically affecting the /site/default/search component. Reflected XSS vulnerabilities occur when untrusted user input is immediately returned by a web application without proper sanitization or encoding, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. In this case, the vulnerability allows an attacker to craft a malicious URL or input that, when accessed by a victim, executes arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim’s browser context. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.1 (medium severity) reflects that the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), but does require user interaction (UI:R). The scope is changed (S:C), indicating that the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the vulnerable component. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is low (C:L, I:L), with no impact on availability (A:N). Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the vulnerability represents a significant risk for session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities leveraging script execution in the victim’s browser. The lack of vendor or product details limits precise identification, but the affected component is clearly stated. The CWE-79 classification confirms the nature of the vulnerability as improper neutralization of input leading to XSS.

For European organizations, the reflected XSS vulnerability in WhatACart v2.0.7 could lead to targeted phishing campaigns, session hijacking, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of authenticated users. E-commerce platforms like WhatACart are often used by European retailers and consumers, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to steal customer credentials, payment information, or to deface websites. The vulnerability’s requirement for user interaction means that social engineering or phishing is likely necessary to exploit it, but the potential for widespread impact exists if attackers distribute malicious links via email or social media. Compromise of customer data could lead to GDPR violations, resulting in regulatory fines and reputational damage. Additionally, attackers could use the vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that redirect users to fraudulent sites or install malware, further amplifying the threat to European users and businesses relying on the affected platform.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations using WhatACart v2.0.7 should implement strict input validation and output encoding on the /site/default/search component to neutralize any malicious scripts. Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can reduce the impact of XSS by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) configured to detect and block reflected XSS payloads can provide an additional layer of defense. Since no official patch is currently available, organizations should consider temporary measures such as disabling or restricting access to the vulnerable search functionality until a fix is released. User education to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious URLs is also critical. Regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on XSS vulnerabilities should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues proactively.