CVE-2024-9898 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability classified under CWE-79 that affects the Parallax Image plugin for WordPress, developed by thehowarde. The vulnerability exists in all versions up to and including 1.8 due to improper neutralization of input during web page generation. Specifically, the dd-parallax shortcode does not sufficiently sanitize or escape user-supplied attributes, allowing authenticated users with contributor-level privileges or higher to inject arbitrary JavaScript code. Because the injected script is stored in the page content, it executes every time the page is accessed by any user, including administrators and visitors. This can lead to session hijacking, privilege escalation, defacement, or distribution of malware. The vulnerability requires authentication but no user interaction beyond viewing the compromised page. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4, reflecting network attack vector, low attack complexity, privileges required, no user interaction, and partial confidentiality and integrity impact with no availability impact. No patches or exploits are currently publicly known, but the risk remains significant given the widespread use of WordPress and the plugin. Mitigation involves updating the plugin once a patch is released or applying strict input validation and output encoding on shortcode attributes. Monitoring for suspicious activity and limiting contributor privileges can also reduce risk.

The impact of CVE-2024-9898 is primarily on the confidentiality and integrity of affected WordPress sites. Successful exploitation allows an attacker with contributor-level access to inject persistent malicious scripts that execute in the context of any user viewing the compromised page. This can lead to theft of session cookies, enabling account takeover, unauthorized actions performed with elevated privileges, defacement of website content, or distribution of malware to visitors. Although availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential data breaches can be severe. Organizations relying on the Parallax Image plugin risk exposure of sensitive user data and loss of trust. Since the vulnerability requires authenticated access, the threat is higher in environments with many contributors or weak access controls. The scope includes all WordPress sites using the vulnerable plugin version worldwide, which could be substantial given WordPress's market share. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability as a foothold for further compromise or lateral movement within the site or network.

1. Immediately monitor for updates from thehowarde and apply official patches once available to fix the input sanitization and output escaping issues in the dd-parallax shortcode. 2. Until patches are released, restrict contributor-level access and above to trusted users only, minimizing the risk of malicious script injection. 3. Implement Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block suspicious shortcode attribute inputs containing script tags or event handlers. 4. Use security plugins that sanitize shortcode inputs or disable the vulnerable shortcode if feasible. 5. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews of custom shortcodes and plugins to identify similar injection risks. 6. Educate content contributors about the risks of injecting untrusted content and enforce strict content policies. 7. Monitor website logs and user activity for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 8. Employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict execution of unauthorized scripts on the site. 9. Backup website data regularly to enable recovery in case of compromise. 10. Consider isolating or sandboxing user-generated content areas to limit script execution impact.