CVE-2024-3074 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Elementor ImageBox plugin for WordPress, maintained by flickdevs. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.2.8. The root cause is insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied input within the image box widget, specifically in attributes that are rendered on web pages. Because the vulnerability is stored, malicious scripts injected by an attacker persist in the website's content and execute every time a user accesses the affected page. The exploit requires the attacker to have at least contributor-level privileges, which means they can add or modify content but do not require administrative access. Once exploited, the attacker can execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim’s browser, potentially stealing session tokens, performing actions on behalf of users, or defacing content. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with a network attack vector, low attack complexity, and privileges required but no user interaction needed. The scope is changed, indicating that the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable plugin, potentially impacting the entire WordPress site. No patches or updates are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild, but the vulnerability's presence in a widely used plugin makes it a notable risk.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-3074 is the compromise of confidentiality and integrity of website content and user data. Attackers with contributor-level access can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of site visitors and administrators, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions, or defacement. This can erode user trust, damage brand reputation, and lead to regulatory compliance issues if user data is exposed. Since the vulnerability does not affect availability, denial-of-service is unlikely. However, the ability to execute persistent scripts can facilitate further attacks such as phishing or malware distribution. Organizations relying on the Elementor ImageBox plugin for content presentation are at risk, especially those with multiple contributors or less stringent access controls. The medium CVSS score suggests a moderate but actionable threat that should not be ignored, particularly in environments where sensitive data or high traffic volumes exist.

1. Immediate mitigation involves restricting contributor-level access to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious script injection. 2. Monitor and audit content changes made by contributors to detect suspicious or unauthorized script insertions. 3. Implement a web application firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block common XSS payloads targeting the ImageBox widget. 4. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of injected scripts. 5. Regularly update the Elementor ImageBox plugin once a patched version is released by flickdevs. 6. Use security plugins that sanitize user inputs and outputs to add an additional layer of defense. 7. Educate content contributors about secure content practices and the risks of injecting untrusted code. 8. Conduct periodic vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on WordPress plugins and user-generated content areas. These steps collectively reduce the attack surface and mitigate exploitation risk until an official patch is available.