CVE-2024-6256 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Feeds for YouTube plugin for WordPress, which provides YouTube video, channel, and gallery embedding functionality via a shortcode named 'youtube-feed'. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 2.2.1 due to improper neutralization of user-supplied input within the shortcode attributes. Specifically, the plugin fails to sufficiently sanitize and escape input before rendering it on web pages, enabling authenticated users with contributor-level or higher privileges to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. This malicious code is stored persistently and executed in the context of any user who visits the compromised page, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability requires no user interaction beyond page access and has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, indicating medium severity. The attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity and privileges required at the contributor level. The scope is changed because the vulnerability affects other users who view the injected content. No known public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress sites using this plugin, especially those with multiple contributors or editors. The lack of an official patch at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate mitigation efforts by site administrators.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-6256 is the compromise of confidentiality and integrity on affected WordPress sites. Exploitation allows an attacker with contributor-level access to inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of site visitors, including administrators and editors. This can lead to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information such as cookies or credentials, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, and potential defacement or redirection attacks. While availability is not directly impacted, the trustworthiness and security posture of the affected website can be severely undermined. Organizations relying on the Feeds for YouTube plugin risk reputational damage, data breaches, and potential compliance violations if user data is exposed. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for multi-user WordPress environments such as news sites, corporate blogs, and community portals where contributor roles are common. The medium severity score reflects the balance between required privileges and the potential damage caused by exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-6256, organizations should first verify if they are using the Feeds for YouTube plugin version 2.2.1 or earlier and plan to update to a patched version as soon as it becomes available. Until an official patch is released, administrators should restrict contributor-level privileges to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious shortcode injection. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious script injections in shortcode parameters can provide temporary protection. Site owners should audit existing content for injected scripts and remove any suspicious shortcode attributes. Enabling Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help limit the impact of injected scripts by restricting script sources. Regularly monitoring logs and user activity for anomalous behavior is also recommended. Additionally, educating contributors about safe content practices and the risks of injecting untrusted input can reduce accidental exploitation. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups to enable recovery if an attack occurs.