CVE-2024-4038 is a code injection vulnerability classified under CWE-94 found in the Back In Stock Notifier for WooCommerce | WooCommerce Waitlist Pro plugin for WordPress. The flaw exists because the plugin improperly validates input before executing the WordPress do_shortcode function, which processes shortcodes. This improper validation allows unauthenticated attackers to supply arbitrary shortcode content that the plugin executes, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the WordPress site. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 5.3.1. Since shortcodes can invoke PHP functions or other plugin features, this can lead to unauthorized actions such as data leakage, modification, or limited control over site behavior. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.5 (medium), reflecting network attack vector, no privileges required, no user interaction, and partial impact on confidentiality and integrity but no impact on availability. No public exploits or patches are currently available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly. The plugin is widely used in WooCommerce environments, which are popular in e-commerce websites built on WordPress, increasing the potential attack surface.

The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary shortcodes, which can lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information (confidentiality impact) and unauthorized modification of data or site behavior (integrity impact). While it does not directly impact availability, the ability to inject code can be leveraged to pivot attacks or escalate privileges. For organizations running WooCommerce stores with this plugin, exploitation could result in data breaches, defacement, or insertion of malicious content, undermining customer trust and causing financial and reputational damage. Since no authentication or user interaction is required, the attack surface is broad, increasing the likelihood of automated scanning and exploitation attempts. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, especially as threat actors often develop exploits after public disclosure. The impact is particularly significant for e-commerce businesses relying on this plugin for customer notifications and waitlist management.

Organizations should immediately verify if they are using the Back In Stock Notifier for WooCommerce | WooCommerce Waitlist Pro plugin and identify the version in use. Since no official patch is currently available, temporary mitigations include disabling the plugin until a fix is released or restricting access to the affected shortcode execution functionality via web application firewall (WAF) rules or custom code that sanitizes or blocks suspicious shortcode inputs. Monitoring web server and application logs for unusual shortcode execution patterns or unexpected requests targeting the plugin can help detect exploitation attempts. Administrators should also ensure WordPress core, themes, and other plugins are up to date to reduce overall attack surface. Once a vendor patch or update is released, it should be applied promptly. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for WordPress users and limiting plugin installation to trusted sources can reduce risk. Employing runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools may help detect and block exploitation attempts in real time.