CVE-2024-3998 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79, found in the Betheme WordPress theme developed by MuffinGroup. This vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of user-supplied input during web page generation, specifically within several shortcodes provided by the theme. All versions of Betheme up to and including 27.5.6 are affected. The root cause is insufficient input sanitization and lack of proper output escaping on attributes supplied by authenticated users. An attacker with contributor-level privileges or higher can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages, which is then stored persistently and executed in the browsers of any users who visit the infected pages. This can lead to a range of malicious outcomes including theft of authentication cookies, session hijacking, defacement, or execution of unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond visiting the compromised page and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, reflecting medium severity. The attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity and privileges required, but no user interaction is needed. The scope is changed as the vulnerability affects other users who view the injected content. Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, but the presence of this vulnerability in a popular WordPress theme makes it a significant risk. No official patches have been linked yet, so mitigation relies on restricting contributor access, input validation, or disabling vulnerable shortcodes.

The impact of CVE-2024-3998 on organizations worldwide can be significant, especially for those relying on the Betheme WordPress theme for their websites. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the affected site, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive user data, unauthorized actions performed with victim user privileges, and website defacement. Since the vulnerability is stored XSS, the malicious payload persists and affects all visitors to the compromised pages, amplifying the attack's reach. Organizations with contributor-level users who have access to create or edit content are at risk of insider threats or compromised accounts being leveraged for exploitation. This can damage brand reputation, lead to data breaches, and cause loss of customer trust. Additionally, attackers could use the vulnerability as a foothold for further attacks such as privilege escalation or malware distribution. The medium CVSS score reflects a moderate but tangible risk, especially given the ease of exploitation and the widespread use of WordPress and Betheme globally.

To mitigate CVE-2024-3998, organizations should immediately review user roles and restrict contributor-level or higher privileges to trusted users only. Implement strict content moderation policies to detect and remove suspicious shortcode usage. Disable or remove vulnerable shortcodes if possible until an official patch is released by MuffinGroup. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block common XSS payloads targeting Betheme shortcodes. Use security plugins that provide input sanitization and output escaping enhancements for WordPress content. Monitor website logs and user activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted code or scripts. Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and plugins to the latest versions once patches become available. Consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution sources and reduce the impact of XSS attacks. Finally, conduct periodic security audits and penetration testing focused on user-generated content and shortcode handling.