CVE-2024-9626 identifies a missing authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) in the Editorial Assistant by Sovrn plugin for WordPress, specifically in the ajax_zemanta_set_featured_image function. This function lacks proper capability checks, enabling authenticated users with minimal privileges (subscriber-level and above) to upload arbitrary files such as images (jpg, png), text files, or archives (zip) and set these as the featured image of posts. The vulnerability affects all plugin versions up to and including 1.3.3. Because the function is accessible via AJAX, exploitation can be performed remotely without user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 score is 4.3 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based with low attack complexity and requires low privileges but does not impact confidentiality or availability. The primary impact is unauthorized integrity modification of post content. No patches are currently linked, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild. This vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to deface websites, embed malicious content, or facilitate social engineering attacks by altering visible post images. Given WordPress's widespread use, this vulnerability poses a risk to many websites using the Editorial Assistant plugin, especially those allowing subscriber-level user registrations.

The vulnerability allows unauthorized modification of post content by users with subscriber-level access or higher, which can lead to website defacement or embedding of malicious files within posts. Although it does not directly compromise confidentiality or availability, the integrity of published content is at risk. Attackers could exploit this to damage brand reputation, mislead site visitors, or distribute malware through seemingly legitimate posts. Organizations relying on the Editorial Assistant plugin for content management may face increased risk of content tampering, which could also facilitate further attacks such as phishing or drive-by downloads. Since the attack requires only low privileges and no user interaction, the scope of affected systems is broad, particularly for sites that allow open or lightly controlled user registrations. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for future exploitation.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first check for and apply any available updates or patches from Sovrn that address the missing authorization check. If no official patch is available, administrators should consider temporarily disabling the Editorial Assistant plugin or restricting its usage to trusted users only. Implementing stricter user role management to limit subscriber-level access or employing web application firewalls (WAFs) to monitor and block suspicious AJAX requests targeting the ajax_zemanta_set_featured_image function can reduce risk. Additionally, monitoring file uploads and featured image changes for unusual activity can help detect exploitation attempts. Site owners should also review and harden their WordPress user registration policies to prevent unauthorized or malicious user accounts. Finally, maintaining regular backups of website content will facilitate recovery in case of successful exploitation.