CVE-2024-9388 identifies a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Black Widgets For Elementor plugin for WordPress, which is widely used to enhance Elementor page builder functionality. The vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically related to SVG file uploads. In all plugin versions up to and including 1.3.7, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize and escape SVG content uploaded by users with Author-level or higher privileges. This flaw allows an authenticated attacker to embed arbitrary JavaScript code within an SVG file. When any user views a page containing the malicious SVG, the injected script executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, defacement, or further exploitation such as privilege escalation or data theft. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 6.4 reflects a medium severity, with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), privileges required (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and a scope change (S:C) affecting confidentiality and integrity but not availability. Although no public exploits are currently known, the vulnerability poses a significant risk due to the common use of SVG files and the plugin's popularity. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows persistent script injection, which can affect any user accessing the compromised content. The lack of vendor patches at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate defensive measures by site administrators.

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized script execution in the browsers of users visiting pages containing the malicious SVG files. The impact includes potential theft of authentication cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information, enabling account takeover or privilege escalation. It can also facilitate website defacement, redirect users to malicious sites, or serve as a foothold for further attacks within the affected WordPress environment. Since the exploit requires Author-level access, attackers who have compromised or gained such privileges can leverage this vulnerability to escalate their control and affect site visitors. The scope change in the CVSS vector indicates that the vulnerability can impact resources beyond the initially compromised component, potentially affecting the confidentiality and integrity of the entire website. Organizations relying on this plugin risk reputational damage, data breaches, and loss of user trust if exploited. The absence of known exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially given the widespread use of WordPress and Elementor plugins globally.

1. Immediately restrict SVG upload permissions to only trusted users or temporarily disable SVG uploads until a patch is available. 2. Implement strict input validation and sanitization on SVG files, using server-side libraries that can safely parse and clean SVG content to remove embedded scripts. 3. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and restrict sources of executable code on the website. 4. Monitor and audit user uploads, especially SVG files, for suspicious content or unexpected changes. 5. Upgrade the Black Widgets For Elementor plugin promptly once the vendor releases a patched version addressing this vulnerability. 6. Consider using security plugins that detect and block XSS payloads or anomalous file uploads. 7. Educate site administrators and content authors about the risks of uploading untrusted SVG files and enforce the principle of least privilege for user roles. 8. Regularly back up website data to enable recovery in case of compromise.