CVE-2021-24173 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been identified in the

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WordPress plugin version 1.0 and prior, allowing attackers to perform unwanted actions through CSRF attacks, resulting in a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue.

Understanding CVE-2021-24173

This CVE, assigned on April 5, 2021, highlights a security flaw in the

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plugin that can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious actions on a logged-in user.

What is CVE-2021-24173?

The

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WordPress plugin version 1.0 and earlier lack CSRF checks, enabling attackers to manipulate a logged-in user into executing unauthorized actions, like modifying the plugin's options. This leads to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24173

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts within the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to various attacks like data theft, cookie stealing, or defacement.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24173

The vulnerability's technical details focus on the description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The absence of CSRF protections in the

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WordPress plugin version 1.0 and earlier enables attackers to exploit a logged-in user and perform actions like unauthorized modification of plugin options, resulting in a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects

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WordPress plugin version 1.0 and earlier.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by tricking an authenticated user into clicking on a crafted link or visiting a malicious website, triggering the unauthorized action.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24173, immediate steps, security best practices, and the importance of timely patching and updates are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the

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WordPress plugin to the latest secure version to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor the plugin for any suspicious activities and review recent changes in plugin settings.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict CSRF protections, security headers, input validations, and user input sanitization practices within plugins to prevent such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for plugin updates and security patches. Stay informed about security advisories related to WordPress plugins and promptly apply patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.