CVE-2024-8657 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the Garden Gnome Package plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to and including 2.2.9. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, classified under CWE-79. The plugin's ggpkg shortcode fails to adequately sanitize and escape user-supplied attributes, allowing authenticated users with contributor-level or higher privileges to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. When other users access these pages, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially enabling session hijacking, privilege escalation, or unauthorized actions within the context of the victim's session. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without requiring user interaction, but it does require authenticated access with contributor-level permissions or above. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, indicating medium severity, with attack vector network, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and scope changed due to impact on other users. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress sites that use this plugin, especially those with multiple contributors or editors. The lack of patches or official fixes at the time of publication necessitates immediate mitigation efforts by administrators.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-8657 is the potential compromise of confidentiality and integrity on affected WordPress sites. Attackers with contributor-level access can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information, unauthorized actions, or defacement of content. This can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches, and facilitate further attacks such as privilege escalation or malware distribution. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access, the risk is higher in environments with multiple contributors or editors. The scope of impact extends beyond the initial attacker to all users who view the compromised pages, increasing the potential damage. Although availability is not directly affected, the indirect consequences of exploitation can disrupt normal operations and trust in the website. Organizations worldwide using the Garden Gnome Package plugin are at risk, particularly those with active contributor communities.

To mitigate CVE-2024-8657, organizations should first check for and apply any available updates or patches from the Garden Gnome Package plugin vendor once released. Until a patch is available, administrators should restrict contributor-level access to trusted users only and audit existing user permissions to minimize the risk of malicious script injection. Employing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious shortcode attribute inputs can help prevent exploitation. Additionally, site administrators should implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regularly scanning the website for injected scripts or anomalies in page content is recommended. Educating contributors about safe input practices and monitoring logs for unusual activity can further reduce risk. Finally, consider temporarily disabling or removing the plugin if it is not essential, to eliminate the attack surface.