CVE-2024-9850 identifies a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the augustinfotech SVG Case Study plugin for WordPress, present in all versions up to and including 1.0. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation (CWE-79), specifically due to insufficient sanitization and escaping of SVG file uploads. Authenticated users with Author-level access or higher can upload crafted SVG files containing malicious JavaScript code. When other users access pages displaying these SVG files, the embedded scripts execute in their browsers, potentially allowing attackers to hijack sessions, steal sensitive data, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network without user interaction beyond page viewing, with a low attack complexity but requiring some privileges (Author or above). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.4, indicating medium severity with partial impact on confidentiality and integrity but no impact on availability. No patches or known exploits are currently reported, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk to websites using this plugin, especially those with multiple users and varying privilege levels. The flaw highlights the critical need for proper input validation and output encoding when handling user-uploaded SVG content in web applications.

The primary impact of CVE-2024-9850 is the potential execution of arbitrary JavaScript in the context of affected WordPress sites using the SVG Case Study plugin. This can lead to session hijacking, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of legitimate users, theft of sensitive information such as cookies or credentials, and possible defacement or redirection attacks. Since the vulnerability requires Author-level privileges to upload malicious SVGs, attackers must first compromise or have access to accounts with elevated rights, which is common in multi-user WordPress environments. The scope includes all sites running the vulnerable plugin versions, potentially affecting site administrators, editors, and visitors. The vulnerability does not impact system availability directly but undermines confidentiality and integrity, which can erode user trust and lead to further exploitation. Organizations relying on this plugin for content presentation or case studies risk reputational damage and data breaches if exploited. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as proof-of-concept code could emerge.

To mitigate CVE-2024-9850, organizations should immediately update the SVG Case Study plugin once a patched version is released by augustinfotech. Until a patch is available, restrict Author-level and higher user permissions to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of malicious SVG uploads. Implement additional server-side validation and sanitization of SVG files to strip or neutralize embedded scripts before storage or rendering. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution sources and reduce the impact of any injected scripts. Monitor logs for unusual SVG upload activity and review user accounts for suspicious privilege escalations. Consider disabling SVG uploads entirely if not essential. Regularly audit WordPress plugins for vulnerabilities and maintain a least privilege model for user roles. Finally, educate site administrators and users about the risks of XSS and the importance of cautious file handling.