CVE-2024-5666 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the Extensions for Elementor plugin for WordPress, developed by petesheppard84. The vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically in the handling of the 'url' parameter within the EE Button widget. All versions up to and including 2.0.30 are affected. The core issue is insufficient input sanitization and lack of proper output escaping, which allows an authenticated attacker with Contributor-level privileges or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. Because the malicious script is stored persistently, it executes every time a user accesses the infected page, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of users. The vulnerability requires authentication but no user interaction, and the attack surface includes any site using this plugin with the vulnerable versions. The CVSS 3.1 score of 6.4 reflects a medium severity, with network attack vector, low attack complexity, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact but no availability impact. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk in multi-user WordPress environments where contributors can add or edit content. The lack of patch links suggests that users must monitor vendor updates or apply manual mitigations.

The impact of CVE-2024-5666 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, enabling session hijacking, credential theft, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. Since the vulnerability is stored XSS, the malicious payload persists and can affect multiple users over time. Organizations with collaborative content management workflows granting Contributor or higher access are at increased risk, as attackers can leverage legitimate credentials to inject scripts. This can lead to reputational damage, data breaches, and potential compliance violations. Although availability is not directly impacted, the indirect consequences such as site defacement or user trust erosion can have business impacts. The vulnerability affects any WordPress site using the Extensions for Elementor plugin, which is popular among small to medium businesses and content creators worldwide, amplifying the potential scope. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often weaponize such vulnerabilities rapidly after disclosure.

To mitigate CVE-2024-5666, organizations should first verify if they use the Extensions for Elementor plugin and identify the version in use. Immediate steps include restricting Contributor-level access to trusted users only and auditing existing content for injected scripts. Since no official patch links are currently available, users should monitor the plugin vendor’s official channels for updates and apply patches promptly once released. As an interim measure, implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns targeting the 'url' parameter in the EE Button widget. Additionally, harden WordPress security by enforcing the principle of least privilege, enabling multi-factor authentication for all users, and regularly reviewing user roles and permissions. Employ content security policies (CSP) to restrict script execution sources, which can mitigate the impact of injected scripts. Finally, conduct regular security scans and penetration tests focusing on XSS vulnerabilities to detect and remediate similar issues proactively.