CVE-2024-8761 is an open redirect vulnerability classified under CWE-601 found in the Share This Image WordPress plugin developed by mihail-barinov. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.03 due to improper validation of the 'link' parameter that controls redirection URLs. An attacker can craft a URL that appears to originate from a legitimate site using this plugin but redirects victims to untrusted, potentially malicious websites. The vulnerability requires no authentication or user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link, making it straightforward to exploit via phishing or social engineering campaigns. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 7.2 (high), reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges or user interaction required, and a scope change that impacts confidentiality and integrity. While no public exploits have been reported, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a credible threat for redirect-based attacks that can facilitate credential theft, malware delivery, or further social engineering. The plugin is widely used in WordPress environments, which are common globally, increasing the potential attack surface. No official patches or fixes have been linked yet, so mitigation relies on configuration changes or disabling the plugin until updates are available.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-8761 is the facilitation of phishing and social engineering attacks by redirecting users from trusted WordPress sites to malicious domains. This can lead to credential compromise, malware infections, or unauthorized data access. Because the vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction beyond clicking a link, it can be exploited at scale through email campaigns or malicious web content. The scope change in the CVSS score indicates that the vulnerability affects resources beyond the vulnerable component, potentially exposing sensitive user data or session information. Organizations relying on the Share This Image plugin risk reputational damage, user trust erosion, and potential regulatory consequences if user data is compromised. The widespread use of WordPress and this plugin increases the global attack surface, making it a significant concern for website administrators and security teams.

Until an official patch is released, organizations should consider the following mitigations: 1) Disable or uninstall the Share This Image plugin to eliminate the attack vector. 2) Implement web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious redirect attempts involving the vulnerable parameter. 3) Educate users and administrators about the risk of clicking unexpected links from affected sites. 4) Monitor web server logs for unusual redirect patterns or spikes in traffic to untrusted domains. 5) Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict allowable redirect destinations where feasible. 6) When a patch becomes available, apply it promptly and verify that the redirect validation is properly enforced. 7) Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration tests focusing on open redirect vulnerabilities in web applications. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on immediate risk reduction and detection strategies specific to this vulnerability.