CVE-2021-24228 : Security Advisory and Response

A Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability was discovered in the Login Form of the Patreon WordPress plugin before version 1.7.2. This vulnerability could allow unauthorized users to inject malicious scripts into the login page.

Understanding CVE-2021-24228

This CVE identifies a security flaw in the Patreon WordPress plugin version 1.7.2 and below, where user-controlled input is reflected unsanitized on the login page, potentially enabling XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24228?

The Jetpack Scan team found a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the Patreon WordPress plugin prior to version 1.7.2. The plugin's integration with the WordPress login form allowed for the injection of user-controlled input, leading to a security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24228

Exploitation of this vulnerability could permit attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a user's login session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24228

This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability, the affected systems, and how attackers can exploit it.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Patreon WordPress plugin allows for the injection of unvalidated input into the login page, creating a potential avenue for Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected version of the Patreon WordPress plugin is less than 1.7.2. Users with versions prior to 1.7.2 are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By inputting malicious scripts into the login form, attackers can execute arbitrary code within the login page, posing a risk to user authentication and site security.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the CVE-2021-24228 vulnerability, immediate actions and long-term security measures are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update the Patreon WordPress plugin to version 1.7.2 or higher to mitigate the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring login activities for unusual behavior is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing input validation and output encoding techniques in web applications can help prevent XSS vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and code reviews are vital for maintaining a secure web ecosystem.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by the plugin vendor. Timely installation of patches can address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the system.