CVE-2024-9619 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the WP SHAPES plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting version 1.0.0 and earlier. The root cause is insufficient sanitization and output escaping of SVG file uploads, which allows authenticated users with Author-level access or higher to embed arbitrary JavaScript code within SVG files. When these SVG files are rendered on web pages, the malicious scripts execute in the context of the victim’s browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or distribution of malware. The vulnerability leverages CWE-79, indicating improper neutralization of input during web page generation. Exploitation requires authentication but no user interaction beyond accessing the malicious SVG content. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and partial impact on confidentiality and integrity, but no impact on availability. Although no known exploits are currently in the wild, the vulnerability’s presence in a popular CMS plugin makes it a notable risk. The lack of a patch at the time of disclosure necessitates immediate mitigation steps by administrators. The vulnerability’s scope is limited to sites using the WP SHAPES plugin, but given WordPress’s widespread use, the potential attack surface is significant.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-9619 is the compromise of user confidentiality and integrity on affected WordPress sites. Attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of site visitors or administrators, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to phishing sites, or performing unauthorized actions with the victim’s privileges. This can lead to account takeover, defacement, or further malware distribution. Since the vulnerability requires Author-level access, attackers who have compromised or registered accounts with such privileges can escalate their influence. The vulnerability does not affect availability directly but can degrade trust and cause reputational damage. Organizations relying on WP SHAPES for SVG content management face risks of data leakage and unauthorized access. The medium severity score reflects these impacts, but the ease of exploitation and the common use of WordPress amplify the threat. Without timely mitigation, attackers could leverage this vulnerability in targeted or broad attacks against websites, especially those with high traffic or sensitive user data.

To mitigate CVE-2024-9619, organizations should immediately restrict SVG file uploads to trusted users only and consider disabling SVG uploads entirely if not essential. Implement strict server-side validation and sanitization of SVG content to remove or neutralize embedded scripts before storage or rendering. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution from untrusted sources. Monitor user accounts with Author-level or higher privileges for suspicious activity and enforce strong authentication controls, including multi-factor authentication. Regularly audit installed plugins and update WP SHAPES promptly once an official patch is released by the vendor. Additionally, consider using security plugins that detect and block XSS payloads and review web server logs for anomalous SVG upload or access patterns. Educate site administrators about the risks of uploading untrusted SVG files and maintain regular backups to enable recovery from potential compromises.