CVE-2021-24255 : What You Need to Know

A security vulnerability has been identified in the Essential Addons for Elementor Lite WordPress Plugin before version 4.5.4. This vulnerability allows lower-privileged users such as contributors to execute stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through two vulnerable widgets.

Understanding CVE-2021-24255

What is CVE-2021-24255?

The Essential Addons for Elementor Lite WordPress Plugin before 4.5.4 is susceptible to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks by contributors, posing a security risk to affected websites.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24255

The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the website, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, defacement, or other harmful activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24255

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Essential Addons for Elementor Lite WordPress Plugin before 4.5.4 allows contributors to perform stored XSS attacks through specific widgets, compromising the integrity and security of the website.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue affects versions of the plugin prior to 4.5.4, making websites using these versions vulnerable to exploitation by malicious users.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor-level access can exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts through the vulnerable widgets, potentially causing significant harm to the website.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Website owners are advised to update Essential Addons for Elementor Lite WordPress Plugin to version 4.5.4 or later to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, monitoring user permissions and user inputs can help prevent unauthorized script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing regular security audits, educating users about secure coding practices, and staying informed about plugin updates and security patches can enhance the overall security posture of the website.

Patching and Updates

Developers of the Essential Addons for Elementor plugin should release timely patches for identified vulnerabilities and encourage users to keep their plugins up to date to protect against known security threats.