CVE-2024-9544 is a vulnerability identified in the MapSVG WordPress plugin, affecting all versions up to and including 8.6.4. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-434, which pertains to the unrestricted upload of files with dangerous types. Specifically, this flaw allows authenticated users with Contributor-level access or higher to upload SVG files containing malicious scripts. Due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping in the plugin, these SVG files can store arbitrary web scripts that execute whenever any user accesses the page containing the SVG. This results in a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability, where malicious JavaScript code can run in the context of the victim's browser. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based, requires low attack complexity, and privileges at the contributor level, but does not require user interaction. The scope is changed, indicating that the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable module, potentially impacting the entire web application. The impact includes limited confidentiality and integrity loss but no availability impact. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. However, the vulnerability poses a significant risk in WordPress environments using MapSVG, especially where multiple users have contributor or higher privileges, as it can lead to session hijacking, defacement, or further exploitation through injected scripts.

For European organizations, this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized script execution within their WordPress sites using MapSVG, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing sensitive data, or defacing websites. Organizations relying on WordPress for public-facing or internal portals that incorporate MapSVG for interactive maps or visualizations are at risk. The exploitation could undermine user trust, cause reputational damage, and lead to regulatory scrutiny under GDPR if personal data is compromised. Since the vulnerability requires contributor-level access, insider threats or compromised accounts pose a significant risk. The stored XSS can also be leveraged to pivot attacks within the network or deliver malware payloads. Given the widespread use of WordPress in Europe and the popularity of plugins like MapSVG for geographic and business data visualization, the impact could be broad, affecting sectors such as government, education, tourism, and enterprises that use interactive maps.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the use of MapSVG plugin versions up to 8.6.4. Until an official patch is released, they should restrict contributor-level access strictly to trusted users and consider temporarily disabling SVG uploads or the MapSVG plugin if feasible. Implementing Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with custom rules to detect and block malicious SVG content can reduce risk. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict file upload validation and sanitization at the application or proxy level, disallowing SVG files or scanning them for embedded scripts. Monitoring user activity for unusual upload behavior and conducting regular security reviews of user privileges will help mitigate insider threats. Finally, educating users about the risks of uploading untrusted files and applying the principle of least privilege for WordPress roles will reduce the attack surface.