CVE-2024-2470 is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79 affecting the Simple Ajax Chat WordPress plugin prior to version 20240412. The root cause is the plugin's failure to sanitize and escape certain settings inputs, which allows high privilege users—such as administrators—to inject malicious JavaScript code into the plugin's stored data. This vulnerability is particularly notable because it bypasses the typical WordPress security control of the unfiltered_html capability, which is often disabled in multisite environments to prevent XSS attacks. Exploitation requires an attacker to have authenticated access with elevated privileges, such as admin rights, and involves user interaction to trigger the malicious payload. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting a network attack vector with low attack complexity, requiring privileges and user interaction, and impacting confidentiality and integrity with no effect on availability. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the affected site, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further privilege escalation. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the presence of this vulnerability in a widely used WordPress plugin makes it a significant risk if left unpatched. The patch for this vulnerability is included in version 20240412 of the plugin, though no direct patch links were provided in the source data.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-2470 can be significant, especially for those operating WordPress sites with the Simple Ajax Chat plugin installed. The vulnerability allows high privilege users to inject malicious scripts that can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of data. This could lead to unauthorized data access, session hijacking, or manipulation of site content, which can damage organizational reputation and trust. Multisite WordPress installations, common in larger enterprises and managed service providers, are particularly vulnerable due to the bypass of unfiltered_html restrictions. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could target internal communications or customer interactions facilitated by the chat plugin, potentially leading to data leakage or further network compromise. Given the medium severity and the requirement for admin privileges, the threat is more relevant to insider threats or compromised admin accounts but still poses a risk if credentials are stolen or misused. The lack of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future attacks.

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2024-2470, organizations should immediately update the Simple Ajax Chat WordPress plugin to version 20240412 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed. Administrators should audit user privileges to ensure that only trusted personnel have high-level access to the WordPress admin interface, minimizing the risk of insider threats or compromised accounts. Implementing strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin users can reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access. Additionally, organizations should review and harden WordPress multisite configurations, ensuring that unfiltered_html capabilities are properly managed and that plugin settings are regularly reviewed for suspicious entries. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious script injections can provide an additional layer of defense. Regular security monitoring and log analysis should be conducted to detect any anomalous activity related to plugin settings or admin actions. Finally, educating administrators about the risks of XSS and safe plugin management practices will help prevent exploitation.