CVE-2024-3490 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the WP Recipe Maker plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting all versions up to and including 9.3.1. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied input in the plugin's wprm-recipe-roundup-item shortcode attributes. Authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into the shortcode parameters. Because the injected scripts are stored persistently within the WordPress site content, they execute in the context of any user who views the affected page, including administrators and visitors. This can lead to session hijacking, privilege escalation, defacement, or distribution of malware. The attack vector is remote over the network, with low complexity and no user interaction required beyond viewing the compromised page. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user data but does not impact availability. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no active exploitation has been reported. The vulnerability is tracked under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation), a common web application security issue. Given the widespread use of WordPress and the popularity of WP Recipe Maker, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using this plugin without proper mitigation.

The impact of CVE-2024-3490 is primarily on the confidentiality and integrity of affected WordPress sites and their users. Successful exploitation allows an attacker with contributor-level access to inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of site visitors and administrators. This can result in theft of authentication cookies, enabling session hijacking and unauthorized access. It may also facilitate defacement, phishing, or distribution of malware through the compromised site. Although availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can be severe. Organizations relying on WP Recipe Maker for content management risk exposure of sensitive user data and loss of trust. The requirement for contributor-level access limits the attack surface to sites with multiple authenticated users, but insider threats or compromised contributor accounts increase risk. The vulnerability's network-based attack vector and low complexity make it feasible for attackers to exploit once access is obtained. Given WordPress's extensive global usage, the potential scale of impact is substantial if unmitigated.

To mitigate CVE-2024-3490, organizations should first verify whether they use the WP Recipe Maker plugin and identify the installed version. Since no official patch links are currently available, immediate mitigation involves restricting contributor-level access to trusted users only and auditing existing contributor accounts for compromise. Site administrators should implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious shortcode attribute inputs containing script tags or event handlers. Employing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can reduce the impact of injected scripts by restricting script execution sources. Additionally, site owners can sanitize and validate all shortcode inputs manually or via custom code to enforce strict input constraints. Monitoring site content for unauthorized script injections and conducting regular security audits are recommended. Once an official patch is released, prompt updating of the plugin is critical. Backup procedures should be in place to restore clean site states if exploitation occurs. Educating contributors about secure content practices and limiting plugin usage to necessary features can further reduce risk.