CVE-2024-3266 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the Bold Page Builder plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 4.8.8. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of the URL attribute in widgets. Authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into the URL attribute of widgets. Because the malicious script is stored persistently in the page content, it executes automatically whenever any user accesses the affected page, without requiring further interaction. This can lead to a range of attacks including session hijacking, privilege escalation, defacement, or distribution of malware. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, reflecting a medium severity level, with an attack vector of network, low attack complexity, privileges required at the contributor level, no user interaction needed, and a scope change indicating that the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact includes limited confidentiality and integrity loss but no availability impact. No public exploits are known at this time, but the vulnerability is published and should be addressed promptly. The root cause is the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape user-supplied input before rendering it in the page, a common issue in web application security. Since contributors can inject scripts, the risk is elevated in environments with multiple content editors or contributors. The vulnerability affects a widely used WordPress plugin, making it relevant to many websites globally.

The impact of CVE-2024-3266 is significant for organizations using the Bold Page Builder plugin on WordPress sites, especially those with multiple contributors or editors. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in the context of any user viewing the compromised page. This can lead to theft of authentication cookies, enabling session hijacking and unauthorized access. It can also facilitate defacement, phishing, or distribution of malware to site visitors, damaging reputation and trust. Although the attacker requires contributor-level access, this is a relatively low privilege level, making insider threats or compromised contributor accounts a realistic risk. The vulnerability compromises confidentiality and integrity of user sessions and data but does not impact availability directly. Organizations with high-traffic websites or those handling sensitive user data are at greater risk. The scope of affected systems is broad given WordPress's global popularity and the plugin's usage. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as attackers may develop exploits. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to data breaches, regulatory penalties, and loss of customer confidence.

To mitigate CVE-2024-3266 effectively, organizations should first verify if they use the Bold Page Builder plugin and identify the version in use. Until an official patch is released, restrict contributor-level user privileges by auditing and limiting the number of users with such access. Implement strict user role management and monitor contributor activities for suspicious input or changes. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting common XSS payloads and specifically monitor widget URL attributes for anomalous inputs. Sanitize and validate all user inputs at the application level, especially those that can be stored and rendered in pages. Consider disabling or removing the vulnerable plugin if it is not essential. Educate contributors on secure content practices and the risks of injecting untrusted content. Once a patch is available, apply it promptly and verify the fix. Additionally, conduct regular security scans and penetration tests to detect similar vulnerabilities. Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks by restricting script execution sources.