CVE-2024-9019 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79 affecting the SecuPress Free WordPress Security plugin, versions up to and including 2.2.5.3. The vulnerability exists in the secupress_check_ban_ips_form shortcode due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied attributes. Authenticated attackers with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting arbitrary JavaScript code into pages generated by the plugin. When other users access these pages, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially compromising session tokens, redirecting users, or performing actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4, reflecting 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 public exploits have been reported yet, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the widespread use of WordPress and the plugin. The flaw stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, highlighting a failure in secure coding practices related to input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability affects all versions of the plugin up to 2.2.5.3, and no official patches are linked in the provided data, indicating a need for urgent vendor response or temporary mitigations by site administrators.

This vulnerability allows authenticated users with contributor-level access or higher to inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of other users visiting the affected pages. The impact includes potential theft of session cookies, enabling account takeover, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, defacement of website content, and distribution of malware. Since contributors can typically add or edit content, the risk extends to trusted users being leveraged to compromise site integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability does not directly affect availability but can lead to reputational damage and loss of user trust. Organizations relying on the SecuPress Free plugin for WordPress security may find their defenses undermined, especially if multiple users have contributor or higher privileges. The scope of affected systems is broad given WordPress's global popularity, and the vulnerability's exploitation could facilitate further attacks within compromised environments. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as proof-of-concept code could emerge. Overall, the vulnerability poses a moderate risk that could escalate if weaponized by attackers.

Administrators should immediately review user roles and restrict contributor-level or higher access to trusted individuals only. Until an official patch is released, consider disabling or removing the SecuPress Free plugin if feasible, or at least disable the vulnerable shortcode secupress_check_ban_ips_form to prevent exploitation. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious input patterns targeting this shortcode. Implement strict content security policies (CSP) to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts on affected pages. Regularly audit and sanitize all user-generated content, especially from contributors, to detect injected scripts. Monitor logs for unusual activity or attempts to exploit the shortcode. Stay updated with vendor advisories for patches or updates addressing this vulnerability. For long-term security, encourage the use of plugins that follow secure coding practices and conduct regular security assessments of WordPress environments.