CVE-2021-24351 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24351, a vulnerability in The Plus Addons for Elementor Page Builder.

Understanding CVE-2021-24351

This section delves into the specifics of the security issue in The Plus Addons for Elementor Page Builder.

What is CVE-2021-24351?

The vulnerability in theplus_more_post AJAX action of The Plus Addons for Elementor Page Builder plugin before version 4.1.12 allowed for a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack that could be exploited by both unauthenticated and authenticated users.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24351

The security flaw enabled threat actors to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure or unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24351

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-24351.

Vulnerability Description

The improper sanitization of certain fields in the plugin's AJAX action facilitated the execution of XSS attacks, posing a risk to the security and integrity of affected systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Plus Addons for Elementor Page Builder versions prior to 4.1.12 are vulnerable to this exploit, putting users of those versions at risk of XSS attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of proper input sanitization, threat actors could craft malicious payloads that, when executed, could result in unauthorized script execution on vulnerable websites.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides insights into mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2021-24351.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the plugin to version 4.1.12 or later to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance the security posture of their websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating software components can help prevent XSS vulnerabilities and strengthen overall resilience against such exploits.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant about security updates, monitoring for emerging threats, and promptly applying patches are essential steps to safeguard systems against known vulnerabilities and evolving cyber risks.