CVE-2021-24205 : What You Need to Know

This article discusses the impact and technical details of CVE-2021-24205, a vulnerability found in the Elementor Website Builder WordPress plugin before version 3.1.4.

Understanding CVE-2021-24205

This section delves into what CVE-2021-24205 is and the implications it carries.

What is CVE-2021-24205?

CVE-2021-24205 is an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Icon Box Widget of the Elementor Website Builder plugin before version 3.1.4. It allows users with Contributor or above permissions to inject and execute JavaScript code when the saved page is viewed or previewed.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24205

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious users to perform Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, potentially compromising the security of over 7 million websites using the affected versions of the Elementor plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24205

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in how the icon box widget handles the 'title_size' parameter, allowing unauthorized JavaScript execution due to insufficient input validation. This enables attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected site's users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Elementor Website Builder plugin versions prior to 3.1.4 are affected by this vulnerability. Users with Contributor or higher permissions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the 'save_builder' request and injecting malicious JavaScript code into the 'title_size' parameter, attackers can trigger the execution of code when the page containing the widget is accessed.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-24205.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Elementor Website Builder plugin to version 3.1.4 or newer to patch the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any suspicious activities on the site is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust input validation mechanisms and conducting regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Educating users about secure coding practices is also crucial.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by the Elementor team and promptly apply patches to ensure the security of your WordPress websites.