CVE-2024-8662 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Koko Analytics plugin for WordPress, maintained by dvankooten. The vulnerability exists due to the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically through the use of the WordPress add_query_arg function without appropriate escaping of URL parameters. This flaw affects all versions up to and including 1.3.12. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious URL containing executable JavaScript code embedded in query parameters. When a victim clicks on such a link, the injected script executes within the context of the vulnerable website, potentially allowing the attacker to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of the user, or manipulate page content. The vulnerability does not require any authentication but does require user interaction (clicking the malicious link). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level, with the vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N, meaning it is remotely exploitable with low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction needed, and it impacts confidentiality and integrity with a scope change. No patches or known exploits are currently documented, but the vulnerability is publicly disclosed as of September 24, 2024. The root cause is the failure to properly escape or sanitize user-controlled input before including it in URLs generated by add_query_arg, leading to reflected XSS attacks.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-8662 is the compromise of user confidentiality and integrity on websites running the vulnerable Koko Analytics plugin. Successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, theft of sensitive information such as cookies or credentials, and unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users. This can result in account takeover, defacement, or redirection to malicious sites. While availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can have significant operational and financial consequences for affected organizations. Since the vulnerability is exploitable without authentication but requires user interaction, phishing campaigns or social engineering can be effective attack vectors. Organizations worldwide using WordPress with Koko Analytics installed are at risk, especially those with high traffic or sensitive user data. The scope of impact extends to any user visiting a compromised or maliciously crafted URL, making it a broad threat to website visitors as well.

To mitigate CVE-2024-8662, organizations should immediately update the Koko Analytics plugin to a patched version once available. In the absence of an official patch, temporary mitigations include implementing strict input validation and output encoding on all URL parameters, especially those processed by add_query_arg. Employing a robust Content Security Policy (CSP) can help restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts. Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) should be configured to detect and block reflected XSS attack patterns targeting the plugin's endpoints. Additionally, educating users to avoid clicking suspicious links and enabling multi-factor authentication can reduce the impact of potential session hijacking. Developers maintaining the plugin should review and sanitize all user inputs and apply proper escaping functions provided by WordPress. Regular security audits and monitoring for unusual activity on affected sites are also recommended.