CVE-2024-9206 identifies a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the MAS Companies For WP Job Manager plugin for WordPress, developed by madrasthemes. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.0.13 due to the improper use of the WordPress function add_query_arg without appropriate escaping of URL parameters. This improper neutralization of input (CWE-79) allows unauthenticated attackers to craft malicious URLs containing arbitrary JavaScript code. When a victim clicks such a link, the injected script executes in their browser context, potentially leading to theft of session cookies, redirection to malicious sites, or other client-side attacks. The vulnerability is reflected, meaning the malicious input is immediately returned in the HTTP response without persistent storage. Exploitation requires no authentication but does require user interaction (clicking a link). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level, with attack vector network (remote), low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and impacts on confidentiality and integrity but not availability. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date. The vulnerability affects WordPress sites using this plugin, which is typically employed for job listing management, making it a target for attackers aiming to compromise site visitors or administrators through client-side attacks.

The primary impact of this vulnerability is on the confidentiality and integrity of users interacting with affected WordPress sites. Successful exploitation can lead to theft of sensitive information such as session tokens, enabling account takeover or unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. Attackers may also use the vulnerability to perform phishing attacks by injecting malicious scripts that alter site content or redirect users to fraudulent websites. While availability is not directly impacted, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can have significant consequences for organizations. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, the scope depends on the ability of attackers to lure users into clicking malicious links. Organizations relying on the MAS Companies For WP Job Manager plugin, especially those with high traffic or sensitive user data, face increased risk of targeted attacks. The lack of known exploits in the wild suggests limited active exploitation currently, but the vulnerability remains a credible threat if weaponized.

Organizations should immediately verify if they are using the MAS Companies For WP Job Manager plugin version 1.0.13 or earlier and plan to update to a patched version once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators can implement the following mitigations: 1) Apply manual code review and patching to ensure all uses of add_query_arg and other URL parameter functions properly escape output using WordPress escaping functions such as esc_url() or esc_html(). 2) Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious query parameters or script injection attempts targeting the plugin’s endpoints. 3) Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking untrusted links and encourage the use of security awareness training. 4) Monitor web server logs for unusual query strings or repeated suspicious requests that may indicate exploitation attempts. 5) Limit the exposure of the plugin’s functionality to authenticated users or restrict access to trusted IPs where feasible. 6) Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of injected scripts by restricting allowable script sources. These steps collectively reduce the risk until an official patch is released.