CVE-2024-4313 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the Table Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting all versions up to and including 2.1.2. The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation, classified under CWE-79. The vulnerability arises from insufficient sanitization and output escaping of the '_id' parameter, which is used in the plugin's functionality. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages managed by the plugin. Because the malicious script is stored, it executes every time a user accesses the infected page, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of user sessions and data. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and requiring privileges but no user interaction. The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. The vulnerability is significant because WordPress is widely used globally, and plugins like Table Addons for Elementor are common for enhancing page functionality. Attackers leveraging contributor-level access can escalate their impact by executing scripts that may steal cookies, deface content, or perform actions on behalf of other users.

The impact of CVE-2024-4313 is primarily on the confidentiality and integrity of affected WordPress sites and their users. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the vulnerable site, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information, unauthorized actions, or site defacement. Since the vulnerability requires contributor-level access, attackers must first compromise or have legitimate access to a user account with such privileges, which limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk. The stored nature of the XSS means that all users visiting the infected page are at risk, including administrators, increasing the potential damage. Organizations relying on this plugin for content management or e-commerce may face reputational damage, data breaches, or operational disruptions. The medium CVSS score reflects that while the vulnerability is not trivially exploitable by unauthenticated users, the consequences of exploitation can be significant, especially in environments with multiple users and sensitive data.

To mitigate CVE-2024-4313, organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Immediately restrict contributor-level permissions to trusted users only and review existing user roles for unnecessary privileges. 2) Monitor and audit content input fields related to the '_id' parameter for suspicious or unexpected script tags or payloads. 3) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block typical XSS payloads targeting this plugin. 4) Use Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of injected scripts. 5) Regularly update the Table Addons for Elementor plugin once a patch is released by the vendor; in the absence of an official patch, consider disabling or replacing the plugin temporarily. 6) Educate content contributors about safe input practices and the risks of injecting untrusted content. 7) Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk of account compromise that could lead to exploitation. 8) Conduct periodic security scans and penetration tests focusing on plugin vulnerabilities and XSS vectors.