CVE-2024-4634 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin for WordPress, maintained by Brainstormforce. The vulnerability exists in the ‘hfe_svg_mime_types’ function due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied data. This flaw allows an authenticated attacker with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript payloads into pages managed by the plugin. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes every time a user visits the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 1.6.28. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality and integrity with a scope change. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the risk remains significant due to the widespread use of Elementor plugins in WordPress sites. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, indicating improper input neutralization leading to XSS. Mitigation requires patching or applying strict input validation and output encoding to prevent script injection. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user WordPress environments where contributors can add content but are not fully trusted.

The impact of CVE-2024-4634 is primarily on the confidentiality and integrity of affected WordPress sites and their users. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim’s browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, unauthorized actions, or distribution of malware. Since the vulnerability requires contributor-level access, it can be exploited by malicious insiders or compromised accounts. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that all visitors to the infected pages are at risk, including administrators and other privileged users, which could lead to privilege escalation or site takeover. For organizations, this can result in reputational damage, data breaches, and compliance violations. The vulnerability does not directly affect availability but can indirectly cause denial of service through defacement or malicious payloads. Given the popularity of Elementor plugins, a large number of WordPress sites globally are at risk, especially those with multiple contributors or less stringent access controls.

To mitigate CVE-2024-4634, organizations should: 1) Immediately update the Elementor Header & Footer Builder plugin to a version where the vulnerability is patched once available. 2) If a patch is not yet available, restrict contributor-level permissions to trusted users only and audit existing contributors for suspicious activity. 3) Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts targeting the ‘hfe_svg_mime_types’ parameter or related inputs. 4) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected pages. 5) Conduct regular security reviews and scanning of WordPress plugins for vulnerabilities and ensure timely updates. 6) Educate site administrators and contributors about the risks of XSS and safe content management practices. 7) Monitor logs and user activity for signs of exploitation attempts or unusual behavior. 8) Consider isolating or sandboxing user-generated content areas to reduce impact scope. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on access control tightening, proactive detection, and layered defenses.