CVE-2024-9349 is a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Auto Amazon Links – Amazon Associates Affiliate Plugin for WordPress, developed by miunosoft. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 5.4.2 due to the unsafe use of the WordPress function add_query_arg without proper escaping of user-supplied input in URL parameters. This improper neutralization of input (CWE-79) allows an attacker to craft malicious URLs containing arbitrary JavaScript code. When a victim clicks such a link, the injected script executes in the context of the vulnerable website, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack vector is remote with no privileges required, but it necessitates user interaction (clicking a malicious link). The vulnerability affects the confidentiality and integrity of user data but does not impact system availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.1, reflecting medium severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, user interaction required, and scope changed due to potential impact beyond the vulnerable component. No patches or fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-9349 is on the confidentiality and integrity of users interacting with affected WordPress sites using the vulnerable plugin. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the site, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to phishing or malware sites, or manipulating page content to deceive users. This can lead to account compromise, data leakage, and reputational damage for organizations. Since the vulnerability requires user interaction, the risk depends on the effectiveness of social engineering. However, given the widespread use of WordPress and the popularity of affiliate marketing plugins, many e-commerce and content sites could be targeted, especially those relying on Amazon affiliate links. The vulnerability does not affect availability, so denial-of-service is not a concern here. The lack of authentication requirement broadens the attacker base, increasing the likelihood of exploitation once a malicious link is distributed.

Organizations should immediately update the Auto Amazon Links – Amazon Associates Affiliate Plugin to a patched version once available. Until a patch is released, administrators can mitigate risk by implementing strict input validation and output encoding on URL parameters, especially those processed by add_query_arg. Employing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block reflected XSS payloads targeting this plugin can reduce exposure. Site owners should educate users about the risks of clicking unsolicited links and consider disabling or replacing the plugin if updates are delayed. Additionally, enabling Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help restrict the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regular security audits and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns or user reports of unusual behavior can aid in early detection of exploitation attempts.