CVE-2024-7606 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Front End Users plugin for WordPress, developed by rustaurius. This vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 3.2.28 due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically within the 'user-search' shortcode. The root cause is insufficient sanitization and output escaping of user-supplied attributes, which allows authenticated attackers with contributor-level access or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. Because the malicious script is stored, 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 is exploitable remotely over the network without user interaction but requires the attacker to have at least contributor privileges, which are commonly granted to users who can submit content but not publish it. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting medium severity with low attack complexity, network attack vector, and partial impact on confidentiality and integrity but no impact on availability. No 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 user-generated content. Mitigation requires patching the plugin once an update is available or applying strict input validation and output encoding on the shortcode parameters. Monitoring for suspicious user activity and limiting contributor permissions can also reduce risk.

The impact of CVE-2024-7606 is primarily on the confidentiality and integrity of affected WordPress sites. Successful exploitation allows an attacker with contributor-level access to inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users visiting the compromised pages. This can lead to session hijacking, theft of authentication tokens, unauthorized actions performed with victim user privileges, and potential privilege escalation if administrative users are targeted. The vulnerability does not affect availability directly but can undermine trust in the affected websites and lead to reputational damage. Organizations with multiple contributors or community-driven content are at higher risk, as attackers can leverage lower-privileged accounts to escalate attacks. Since WordPress powers a significant portion of the web, especially in small to medium enterprises, blogs, and community sites, the scope of affected systems is broad. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, as proof-of-concept exploits could emerge rapidly after disclosure. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, and compliance violations for organizations handling sensitive user data.

1. Immediately update the Front End Users plugin to a patched version once released by rustaurius. 2. Until a patch is available, disable or remove the 'user-search' shortcode from all pages to prevent exploitation. 3. Implement strict input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied attributes in the shortcode parameters to neutralize malicious scripts. 4. Restrict contributor-level permissions to trusted users only and review existing contributor accounts for suspicious activity. 5. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block common XSS payloads targeting the plugin's shortcode. 6. Monitor logs and user activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 7. Educate site administrators and contributors about the risks of XSS and safe content submission practices. 8. Regularly audit WordPress plugins and themes for vulnerabilities and maintain an up-to-date patching schedule. 9. Consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the impact of injected scripts if exploitation occurs. 10. Backup site data frequently to enable recovery in case of compromise.