CVE-2024-3155 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-80, affecting several WordPress plugins developed by pickplugins: Post Grid, Form Maker, Popup Maker, WooCommerce Blocks, Post Blocks, and Post Carousel – Combo Blocks. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.2.80 due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input and inadequate output escaping in multiple parameters. This flaw enables authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages managed by these plugins. Because the malicious scripts are stored persistently, they execute in the context of any user who views the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting medium severity, with attack vector network-based, low attack complexity, requiring privileges (PR:L), no user interaction, and scope changed due to impact on other components. Although no active exploits have been reported, the vulnerability poses a significant risk given the widespread use of these plugins in WordPress environments. The root cause is the failure to properly neutralize HTML tags and script-related content in input fields, violating secure coding practices for web applications. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user data but does not impact availability. Mitigation requires patching the plugins once updates are available or applying strict input validation and output encoding as interim controls.

The impact of CVE-2024-3155 is primarily on the confidentiality and integrity of data within affected WordPress sites. Exploitation allows an authenticated contributor or higher to inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of site visitors, including administrators and other privileged users. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions performed with elevated privileges, and potential site defacement. Organizations relying on these plugins for content display, form handling, or e-commerce functionality risk compromise of user accounts and sensitive data. The vulnerability does not directly affect availability but can indirectly cause service disruptions if exploited for defacement or administrative takeover. Given the plugins’ popularity in WordPress ecosystems worldwide, the threat could affect a large number of websites, including corporate, governmental, and e-commerce platforms. The requirement for authenticated access limits exploitation to insiders or compromised accounts, but the ease of exploitation and lack of user interaction needed increase risk. Without mitigation, attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent footholds and escalate privileges within affected sites.

1. Immediately restrict contributor and higher privileges to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious script injection. 2. Monitor and audit user-generated content and plugin-managed pages for suspicious or unexpected script tags or HTML content. 3. Apply strict input validation and output encoding on all parameters handled by the affected plugins to neutralize script-related HTML tags. 4. Disable or remove unused or unnecessary pickplugins plugins to reduce attack surface. 5. Stay alert for official security patches or updates from pickplugins and apply them promptly once released. 6. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block common XSS payloads targeting these plugins. 7. Educate site administrators and contributors about the risks of XSS and safe content management practices. 8. Consider using Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution sources as an additional defense layer. 9. Regularly back up website data to enable recovery in case of compromise. 10. Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration testing focusing on plugin vulnerabilities and user privilege abuse.