CVE-2024-8482 identifies a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin for WordPress, present in all versions up to and including 1.3.982. The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically insufficient sanitization and output escaping of the 'url' parameter. Authenticated attackers with Contributor-level privileges or higher can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages by manipulating this parameter. When other users access the infected pages, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or unauthorized actions within the context of the affected website. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, indicating cross-site scripting flaws. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4 reflects a 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 patches or official fixes have been released at the time of publication, and no known exploits are reported in the wild. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin, which is widely used in WordPress sites for enhancing Elementor page builder functionality. The flaw's exploitation requires authenticated access, limiting exposure to users with at least Contributor roles, but the impact can be significant if exploited, especially on sites with many visitors or administrators.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-8482 is the potential compromise of user confidentiality and integrity on affected WordPress sites. Attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of site visitors and administrators, enabling theft of session cookies, credentials, or execution of unauthorized actions such as changing site content or settings. This can lead to site defacement, data leakage, or further compromise of the hosting environment. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access at the Contributor level or higher, the risk is mitigated somewhat by access controls, but insider threats or compromised contributor accounts can still exploit it. The scope change in the CVSS vector indicates that the vulnerability can affect components beyond the initially vulnerable plugin, potentially impacting the entire site. Organizations relying on this plugin for their WordPress sites face reputational damage, loss of user trust, and potential regulatory consequences if sensitive user data is exposed. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability's public disclosure may prompt attackers to develop exploits, increasing future threat levels.

To mitigate CVE-2024-8482, organizations should first restrict Contributor-level access to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious script injection. Site administrators should monitor user activity logs for suspicious behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Applying strict input validation and output escaping on the 'url' parameter within the plugin code is critical; if a patch is released, it should be applied promptly. Until an official fix is available, consider temporarily disabling or replacing the Royal Elementor Addons and Templates plugin with alternatives that do not exhibit this vulnerability. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block attempts to inject scripts via the vulnerable parameter. Regularly audit WordPress user roles and permissions to ensure least privilege principles are enforced. Additionally, educate contributors about safe content practices and the risks of injecting untrusted input. Finally, maintain up-to-date backups to enable rapid recovery in case of compromise.