CVE-2024-5567 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Betheme WordPress theme developed by MuffinGroup. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 27.5.5. The root cause is insufficient input sanitization and output escaping of SVG file uploads, which allows authenticated users with Contributor-level permissions or higher to upload SVG files containing malicious JavaScript code. When any user accesses a page containing the malicious SVG, the embedded script executes in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, defacement, or other malicious actions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, indicating improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting a medium severity level with network attack vector, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacts on confidentiality and integrity with no impact on availability. No patches have been linked yet, and no known exploits are reported in the wild. The vulnerability affects all Betheme versions, a widely used premium WordPress theme, increasing the potential attack surface. Attackers with low-level authenticated access can leverage this to escalate their impact on affected websites. The vulnerability highlights the risks of allowing SVG uploads without proper sanitization, as SVG files can contain embedded scripts. The stored nature of the XSS means the malicious payload persists on the server and affects all users viewing the infected content. This vulnerability requires website administrators to review user upload permissions, sanitize SVG content, and monitor for suspicious activity.

The impact of CVE-2024-5567 is significant for organizations running websites with the Betheme WordPress theme. Exploitation allows attackers with Contributor-level access to inject persistent malicious scripts via SVG uploads, which execute in the browsers of any users viewing the infected pages. This can lead to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and potential website defacement. Since the vulnerability affects confidentiality and integrity but not availability, the primary risks are data leakage and unauthorized manipulation of web content. The requirement for authenticated access limits exploitation to insiders or compromised accounts, but Contributor-level permissions are commonly granted to many users, increasing risk. The widespread use of WordPress and Betheme in various industries, including e-commerce, media, and corporate sites, means a large number of organizations worldwide could be affected. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to pivot into more damaging attacks, such as privilege escalation or malware distribution. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate it, as proof-of-concept exploits may emerge. Organizations failing to address this vulnerability risk reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and loss of customer trust.

To mitigate CVE-2024-5567, organizations should take several specific actions beyond generic advice: 1) Immediately restrict or disable SVG file uploads for users with Contributor-level permissions or lower unless absolutely necessary. 2) Implement robust server-side sanitization of SVG files using specialized libraries that remove or neutralize embedded scripts and potentially dangerous elements. 3) Apply strict output escaping when rendering SVG content in web pages to prevent script execution. 4) Review and tighten user role permissions to minimize the number of users who can upload files. 5) Monitor web server logs and application behavior for unusual SVG upload activity or unexpected script execution. 6) Keep the Betheme theme updated and monitor vendor announcements for patches or security updates addressing this vulnerability. 7) Consider deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block malicious SVG payloads. 8) Educate content contributors about the risks of uploading untrusted SVG files. 9) Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing focusing on file upload functionalities. These targeted measures will reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this stored XSS vulnerability.