CVE-2024-5090 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin for WordPress, specifically within the SiteOrigin Blog Widget component. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.61.1 due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied attributes and inadequate output escaping during web page generation. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages rendered by the plugin. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes every time any user accesses the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing actions on behalf of users without their consent. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, reflecting medium severity, with an attack vector of network, 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 poses a risk to any WordPress site using the affected plugin versions. The root cause is a failure to properly neutralize input during page generation, a classic CWE-79 cross-site scripting issue. Mitigation requires updating the plugin once a patch is available or applying manual input validation and output encoding controls.

The impact of CVE-2024-5090 is significant for organizations running WordPress sites with the vulnerable SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin. Successful exploitation allows attackers with contributor-level access to inject persistent malicious scripts, which execute in the context of any user visiting the compromised pages. This can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, theft of sensitive information such as cookies or credentials, and potential privilege escalation if administrative users are targeted. The vulnerability undermines the confidentiality and integrity of the affected websites and their users. Although availability is not directly impacted, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can have severe consequences. Given WordPress's widespread use globally, many organizations, including businesses, media outlets, and governmental sites, could be affected. The requirement for authenticated access limits exploitation to insiders or compromised accounts, but contributor roles are common in collaborative environments, increasing risk. The absence of known public exploits currently reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate future risk.

To mitigate CVE-2024-5090, organizations should first check for and apply any official patches or updates released by the SiteOrigin Widgets Bundle plugin developers addressing this vulnerability. If no patch is available yet, administrators should consider temporarily disabling the SiteOrigin Blog Widget or the entire plugin to prevent exploitation. Implement strict role-based access controls to limit contributor-level privileges only to trusted users, reducing the risk of malicious script injection. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules designed to detect and block XSS payloads targeting the plugin's parameters. Conduct thorough input validation and output encoding on any user-supplied data within custom code or themes interacting with the plugin. Regularly audit user accounts and monitor for suspicious activity indicative of exploitation attempts. Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups to enable recovery in case of compromise.