CVE-2024-3027 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) affecting the Smart Slider 3 plugin for WordPress, versions up to and including 3.5.1.22. The root cause is the absence of a proper capability check on the upload function, which allows authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher to upload files without sufficient authorization validation. This flaw enables attackers to upload arbitrary files, including SVG files, which can contain malicious scripts. SVG files are particularly dangerous because they can embed JavaScript, leading to stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks when rendered in a victim's browser. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring user interaction, and it affects all versions of the plugin up to the specified version. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting medium severity with low attack complexity, requiring privileges, and no user interaction. The scope is changed, indicating that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability presents a significant risk to WordPress sites using this plugin, especially those allowing contributor-level users to upload content. The lack of a patch link suggests that a fix may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation.

The vulnerability allows unauthorized modification of data by permitting contributor-level users to upload arbitrary files, including SVGs capable of executing stored XSS attacks. This can lead to the compromise of site confidentiality and integrity by enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users, potentially stealing session tokens, defacing websites, or conducting further attacks such as privilege escalation or phishing. The availability of the site is not directly impacted. Organizations running WordPress sites with Smart Slider 3 installed are at risk, particularly those that allow multiple contributors or editors to upload content. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could gain a foothold to pivot deeper into the network or compromise site visitors. The medium CVSS score reflects a moderate but significant risk, especially given WordPress's widespread use and the popularity of the Smart Slider 3 plugin. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits once the vulnerability is publicly known.

Organizations should immediately review user roles and permissions, restricting contributor-level users from uploading files until a patch is available. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on all file uploads, particularly SVG files, to prevent malicious content. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious file uploads or XSS payloads targeting the Smart Slider 3 plugin. Monitor logs for unusual upload activity or attempts to upload SVG files. Consider temporarily disabling the Smart Slider 3 plugin if it is not critical or replacing it with an alternative slider plugin that does not have this vulnerability. Stay alert for official patches or updates from nextendweb and apply them promptly once released. Additionally, educate content contributors about the risks of uploading untrusted files and enforce multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of compromised accounts being used to exploit this vulnerability.