CVE-2024-5088 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Happy Addons for Elementor plugin for WordPress, a popular plugin that extends Elementor page builder functionality. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically through the '_id' parameter, which is insufficiently sanitized and escaped before being rendered. This flaw allows authenticated attackers with Contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages managed by the plugin. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes in the context of any user who views the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing actions on behalf of users without their consent. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 3.10.8. The CVSS v3.1 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 vulnerability is publicly disclosed and should be considered exploitable. The root cause is inadequate input validation and output encoding in the plugin's handling of the '_id' parameter, a common issue categorized under CWE-79. This vulnerability highlights the risks of allowing lower-privileged users to submit content that is rendered without proper sanitization in WordPress environments.

The impact of CVE-2024-5088 is significant for organizations using the Happy Addons for Elementor plugin on WordPress sites. Exploitation allows attackers with Contributor or higher privileges to inject persistent malicious scripts, which execute in the browsers of any users visiting the compromised pages. This can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions on behalf of users, data theft, defacement, or distribution of malware. Since Contributor-level access is often granted to content creators or editors, the risk of insider threats or compromised accounts increases. The vulnerability affects confidentiality and integrity but does not directly impact availability. However, successful exploitation can undermine user trust and lead to reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and potential downstream attacks. Given WordPress's widespread use globally, many organizations, including businesses, media outlets, and government sites, could be affected. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as the vulnerability is publicly disclosed and can be weaponized by attackers.

To mitigate CVE-2024-5088, organizations should take the following specific actions: 1) Immediately update the Happy Addons for Elementor plugin to a patched version once available; monitor vendor announcements for patches. 2) Restrict Contributor-level and higher privileges to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious content injection. 3) Implement strict input validation and output encoding controls at the application or web server level, including Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution. 4) Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious payloads targeting the '_id' parameter or typical XSS patterns. 5) Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of plugins and custom code to identify similar vulnerabilities. 6) Monitor logs and user activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts, such as unexpected script insertions or privilege escalations. 7) Educate content contributors about safe practices and the risks of injecting untrusted content. 8) Consider disabling or replacing the vulnerable plugin if timely patching is not feasible. These measures collectively reduce the attack surface and limit the potential for successful exploitation.