CVE-2024-9993 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the WordPress plugin "Essential Addons for Elementor – Popular Elementor Templates and Widgets," developed by wpdevteam. This vulnerability affects all versions up to and including 6.1.12. The root cause is improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically insufficient sanitization and escaping of user-supplied data in the eael_event_details_text parameter of the Event Calendar Widget. An authenticated attacker with contributor-level privileges or higher can exploit this flaw by injecting malicious JavaScript code into the event details text field. Because the vulnerability is stored, the injected script persists in the database and executes whenever any user views the affected page, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or redirection to malicious sites. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.4 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based, requires low privileges (authenticated contributor), no user interaction is needed, and the impact affects confidentiality and integrity but not availability. The scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially compromised component. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches are linked yet, indicating that mitigation may require manual intervention or plugin updates once available.

For European organizations using WordPress sites with the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to website integrity and user trust. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized script execution affecting site visitors and administrators, potentially resulting in credential theft, unauthorized actions performed on behalf of users, or distribution of malware. This is particularly critical for organizations handling sensitive customer data or operating e-commerce platforms via WooCommerce integrations, as attackers could leverage stolen session tokens or manipulate site content to conduct phishing or fraud. The medium severity score suggests a moderate but tangible threat, especially since contributor-level access is often granted to content editors or third-party collaborators, which are common roles in European enterprises. Additionally, the stored nature of the XSS means the malicious payload can persist and affect multiple users over time, increasing the attack's reach and impact.

European organizations should immediately audit their WordPress installations to identify the presence of the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin and verify the version in use. Until an official patch is released, administrators should restrict contributor-level access strictly to trusted users and consider temporarily downgrading user privileges where feasible. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious script injections in the eael_event_details_text parameter can provide interim protection. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can help mitigate the impact of injected scripts by restricting script execution sources. Regularly monitoring logs for unusual activity related to event calendar widgets and conducting manual reviews of event details content can help detect exploitation attempts. Once a patch is available, prompt updating of the plugin is essential. Furthermore, educating content contributors about safe input practices and the risks of injecting untrusted content can reduce accidental exploitation.