CVE-2024-9262 is a security vulnerability classified under CWE-639 (Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key) found in the User Meta – User Profile Builder and User management plugin for WordPress. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 3.1, specifically in the getUser() function, which fails to properly validate a user-controlled key parameter. This lack of validation leads to an insecure direct object reference (IDOR), allowing authenticated users with Contributor-level permissions or higher to retrieve user meta information that should normally be restricted. The sensitive data exposed can include password hashes or other confidential user metadata, depending on how the site administrator configures the forms. Furthermore, if the 'user-meta-public-profile' shortcode is used insecurely, unauthenticated users may also exploit this vulnerability to access user meta data. The attack vector is network-based (remote), requires low attack complexity, and only requires low privileges (Contributor role), but no user interaction. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality but not integrity or availability. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to WordPress sites relying on this plugin. The absence of official patches at the time of publication necessitates immediate mitigation through configuration review and access control hardening.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-9262 is unauthorized disclosure of sensitive user metadata, which can include password hashes or other private information stored in user meta fields. This exposure can facilitate further attacks such as credential cracking, privilege escalation, or targeted phishing campaigns. Organizations using the affected plugin risk compromising user privacy and trust, potentially leading to regulatory non-compliance and reputational damage. Since the vulnerability can be exploited by users with Contributor-level access, insider threats or compromised accounts can be leveraged to extract sensitive data. Additionally, improper use of the 'user-meta-public-profile' shortcode can widen the attack surface to unauthenticated attackers, increasing the risk of data leakage. The vulnerability does not affect system integrity or availability directly but can serve as a stepping stone for more severe attacks. Given WordPress's widespread use, the threat has a broad potential impact, especially for websites handling sensitive user data or operating in regulated industries.

To mitigate CVE-2024-9262, site administrators should immediately audit and restrict Contributor-level user permissions to the minimum necessary, ensuring that untrusted users cannot create or modify forms that expose sensitive user meta data. Review all forms created with the User Meta plugin to confirm they do not display sensitive fields such as password hashes or other confidential information. Avoid using the 'user-meta-public-profile' shortcode unless it is securely configured to prevent unauthorized data exposure. Implement strict input validation and output encoding on user meta keys and values. Monitor plugin updates closely and apply patches from the vendor as soon as they become available. Consider temporarily disabling or replacing the plugin with alternative solutions if sensitive data exposure risk is unacceptable. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block suspicious requests targeting user meta endpoints. Regularly audit user roles and permissions to prevent privilege escalation and insider threats. Finally, educate site administrators and developers about secure plugin configuration and the risks of exposing user meta data.