CVE-2021-24177 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

WordPress' File Manager Plugin before version 7.1 is vulnerable to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by submitting a malicious payload on the User-Agent parameter, leading to the execution of arbitrary scripts on the application.

Understanding CVE-2021-24177

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-24177 vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2021-24177?

CVE-2021-24177 pertains to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the File Manager WordPress plugin prior to version 7.1. The flaw allows attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts within the context of a user's web browser.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24177

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables threat actors to potentially steal sensitive information, manipulate content, or perform actions on behalf of legitimate users.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24177

This section covers the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-24177 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

In the default configuration of File Manager WordPress plugin < 7.1, a Reflected XSS vulnerability arises from the endpoint /wp-admin/admin.php?page=wp_file_manager_properties, where a crafted payload on the User-Agent parameter reflects back on the web application response.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects File Manager WordPress plugin versions prior to 7.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by submitting a malicious payload on the User-Agent parameter of the File Manager plugin, allowing them to execute arbitrary scripts within the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-24177 is crucial for maintaining secure WordPress installations.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the File Manager plugin to version 7.1 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, web application firewalls and input validation can help reduce the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits, code reviews, and user input sanitization practices can bolster the overall security posture of WordPress installations.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant for security updates and promptly applying patches to vulnerable plugins is essential for mitigating the risk of XSS vulnerabilities.