CVE-2021-24264 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24264, a vulnerability in the Image Hover Effects - Elementor Addon WordPress plugin before version 1.3.4 that allows stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks by lower-privileged users.

Understanding CVE-2021-24264

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2021-24264 vulnerability in the affected WordPress plugin.

What is CVE-2021-24264?

The vulnerability in the Image Hover Effects - Elementor Addon plugin before version 1.3.4 enables lower-privileged users like contributors to execute stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through a widget.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24264

The impact of CVE-2021-24264 is that it exposes websites using the plugin to the risk of malicious actors injecting and executing arbitrary JavaScript code, potentially leading to data theft or site defacement.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24264

This section details the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including how it can be exploited and the systems affected.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the widget of the Image Hover Effects - Elementor Addon plugin, allowing contributors and lower-privileged users to store malicious scripts leading to XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue affects websites using versions of the plugin earlier than 1.3.4, exposing them to the risk of stored XSS attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious contributors can exploit this vulnerability by inputting crafted scripts into the widget, which are then executed when other users interact with the affected elements.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss steps to mitigate the CVE-2021-24264 vulnerability and prevent future occurrences.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Image Hover Effects - Elementor Addon plugin to version 1.3.4 or later to patch the vulnerability and protect against XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing user input validation, ensuring regular security audits, and educating users on safe practices can help prevent XSS vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for plugin updates and promptly applying patches for known vulnerabilities is crucial to maintaining the security of WordPress websites.