CVE-2024-9696 is a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability identified in the Rescue Shortcodes plugin for WordPress, specifically within the 'rescue_tab' shortcode functionality. This vulnerability exists due to improper neutralization of input (CWE-79), where user-supplied attributes are insufficiently sanitized and output escaping is missing. As a result, authenticated users with contributor-level permissions or higher can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into pages. When other users access these pages, the injected scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or unauthorized actions performed with the victim's credentials. The vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 2.8 of the plugin. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, indicating a medium severity level, with an attack vector over the network, low attack complexity, requiring privileges but no user interaction, and impacting confidentiality and integrity with no effect on availability. No patches or official fixes are currently linked, and no known exploits have been observed in the wild. The vulnerability's scope is limited to sites using this plugin and having users with contributor or higher roles capable of injecting malicious content.

The impact of CVE-2024-9696 can be significant for organizations running WordPress sites with the Rescue Shortcodes plugin installed. Exploitation allows authenticated contributors or higher to inject persistent malicious scripts, which execute in the browsers of any users visiting the affected pages. This can lead to theft of authentication cookies, enabling session hijacking and unauthorized access to user accounts, including administrators. Attackers could also perform actions on behalf of victims, such as changing site content or stealing sensitive information. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect availability, the compromise of confidentiality and integrity can damage organizational reputation, lead to data breaches, and facilitate further attacks. Since contributor-level access is required, the threat is mitigated somewhat by access controls, but insider threats or compromised contributor accounts increase risk. The widespread use of WordPress globally means many organizations, including small businesses, blogs, and enterprises, could be affected if they use this plugin without mitigation.

To mitigate CVE-2024-9696, organizations should first check for updates or patches from the RescueThemes vendor and apply them immediately once available. In the absence of official patches, administrators should restrict contributor-level permissions to trusted users only and audit existing contributor accounts for suspicious activity. Implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to detect and block malicious script injections in shortcode attributes can reduce risk. Site administrators can also sanitize and validate all user inputs manually or via custom code hooks to prevent script injection. Disabling or removing the Rescue Shortcodes plugin temporarily is a strong mitigation if the plugin is not essential. Monitoring logs for unusual shortcode usage or unexpected content changes can help detect exploitation attempts. Educating contributors about safe content practices and limiting plugin usage to trusted sources further reduces exposure.