CVE-2024-4422 identifies a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Comparison Slider plugin for WordPress, affecting all versions up to and including 1.0.5. The root cause is insufficient input sanitization and output escaping of the slider title parameter combined with missing authorization checks (CWE-862), which allows authenticated users with subscriber-level privileges or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. This malicious code is stored persistently and executed in the context of any user who views the compromised page, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability requires authentication but no additional user interaction, making it easier to exploit within environments where multiple users have access to the WordPress backend. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4 (medium), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and impact on confidentiality and integrity but not availability. No patches or exploits are currently publicly available, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be addressed promptly to prevent exploitation.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-4422 is the compromise of confidentiality and integrity within affected WordPress sites using the Comparison Slider plugin. Attackers with subscriber-level access can inject persistent malicious scripts, which execute in the browsers of site visitors or administrators, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, defacement, or unauthorized actions performed with the victim’s privileges. This can undermine trust in the affected websites, lead to data breaches, and facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement. Since the vulnerability requires authentication, it is particularly concerning in multi-user environments such as membership sites, corporate intranets, or editorial platforms where many users have subscriber or higher roles. The absence of availability impact means the site remains operational, but the stealthy nature of stored XSS can allow prolonged exploitation. Organizations worldwide relying on WordPress and this plugin are at risk, especially those with large user bases or sensitive data.

To mitigate CVE-2024-4422, organizations should first check for and apply any official patches or updates from the Comparison Slider plugin vendor once available. In the absence of a patch, administrators should restrict plugin usage to trusted users only, minimizing subscriber-level access where possible. Implement strict input validation and output encoding for the slider title parameter by customizing the plugin code or using security plugins that enforce content sanitization. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules targeting stored XSS payloads to detect and block malicious requests. Regularly audit user roles and permissions to ensure least privilege principles are enforced. Monitor logs and site content for suspicious script injections. Additionally, educate users about the risks of stored XSS and encourage reporting of unusual site behavior. Consider disabling or replacing the plugin if immediate remediation is not feasible.