CVE-2024-4700 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the WP Table Builder plugin for WordPress, a tool widely used to create tables within WordPress sites. The vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically in the handling of the button element. Versions up to and including 1.4.14 fail to adequately sanitize and escape user-supplied input, allowing authenticated users with contributor or administrator privileges to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. This malicious code is stored persistently and executed in the context of any user who views the affected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing actions on behalf of users without their consent. The vulnerability requires at least low-level privileges (contributors) to exploit, but by default, only administrators can configure and use the WP Table Builder plugin, limiting the attack surface. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and no user interaction required. The scope is changed because the vulnerability affects other components beyond the initial privileges. No public exploit code is currently known, but the risk remains significant due to the common use of WordPress and this plugin. Mitigation involves updating the plugin once a patch is released or applying strict input validation and output encoding as a temporary measure.

The impact of CVE-2024-4700 can be significant for organizations using the WP Table Builder plugin on their WordPress sites. Successful exploitation allows attackers with contributor or administrator privileges to inject persistent malicious scripts, leading to session hijacking, unauthorized actions, data theft, or defacement. This can undermine the confidentiality and integrity of user data and site content. For high-traffic or multi-user WordPress sites, the risk is amplified as many users may be exposed to the malicious payload. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, pivot within the network, or distribute malware. Although availability is not directly affected, reputational damage and loss of user trust can have long-term business consequences. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations relying on WordPress for customer-facing portals, e-commerce, or content management, where user credentials and sensitive information are handled.

To mitigate CVE-2024-4700, organizations should: 1) Monitor for and apply updates from the WP Table Builder plugin vendor as soon as a patch is released. 2) Restrict plugin usage and configuration permissions strictly to trusted administrators to minimize the number of users who can inject malicious content. 3) Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules that detect and block suspicious script injections targeting the button element in the plugin’s context. 4) Conduct regular security audits and code reviews for customizations involving the plugin to ensure proper input sanitization and output encoding. 5) Educate administrators and contributors on the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforce strict content policies. 6) Temporarily disable or remove the plugin if patching is not immediately possible, especially on high-risk or public-facing sites. 7) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts, reducing the impact of potential XSS payloads. 8) Monitor logs for unusual activity related to the plugin’s usage and user privilege escalations.