CVE-2021-24126 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Envira Gallery Lite plugin before version 1.8.3.3 in WordPress is affected by an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability due to unvalidated input and lack of output encoding. This could result in privilege escalation for attackers.

Understanding CVE-2021-24126

What is CVE-2021-24126?

This CVE pertains to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in Envira Gallery Lite WordPress plugin versions before 1.8.3.3. It arises from improper handling of image metadata, allowing attackers to escalate privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24126

The vulnerability can be exploited by authenticated attackers to inject malicious scripts into image metadata, potentially leading to privilege escalation within the WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24126

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from unvalidated input and the absence of proper output encoding in the plugin, which fails to sanitize image metadata like titles before displaying them in the gallery, enabling attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Envira Gallery Lite
Vendor: Unknown
Versions Affected: < 1.8.3.3

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the vulnerability in versions prior to 1.8.3.3, authenticated users could inject malicious scripts into image metadata, leading to potential privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Envira Gallery Lite plugin to version 1.8.3.3 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, it is crucial to review and sanitize all user-provided inputs to prevent cross-site scripting attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities. Employing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can also help prevent similar security issues.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the WordPress plugins and themes in use are regularly updated to the latest secure versions. Implement rigorous security testing protocols to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in a timely fashion.