CVE-2021-24366 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-24366 affecting Admin Columns plugins before versions 4.3 and 5.5.1. Understand the impact, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
Admin Columns Free < 4.3 & Pro < 5.5.1 - Admin+ Stored XSS in Label
Understanding CVE-2021-24366
This CVE involves a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Admin Columns Free plugin versions before 4.3 and Admin Columns Pro plugin versions before 5.5.1.
What is CVE-2021-24366?
The Admin Columns WordPress plugin and Admin Columns Pro plugin are affected by a vulnerability that allows high privilege users to execute XSS attacks via the Label settings without proper sanitization, even when unfiltered_html capability is disabled.
The Impact of CVE-2021-24366
This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers with admin privileges to inject malicious scripts into the affected WordPress websites, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24366
The following technical details describe the vulnerability in more detail:
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from the lack of sanitization and escaping in the Label settings of both the Admin Columns Free and Pro plugins, enabling stored XSS attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vendor: Unknown
- Products Affected: Admin Columns, Admin Columns Pro
- Admin Columns version < 4.3 (Free) and Admin Columns Pro version < 5.5.1 are vulnerable to exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers, including admins, can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of the target user's browser, gaining unauthorized access and compromising the affected website.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-24366, consider the following mitigation steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the Admin Columns Free plugin to version 4.3 or higher and Admin Columns Pro to version 5.5.1 to eliminate the vulnerability.
- Monitor user-generated content for suspicious scripts or payloads to prevent XSS attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly.
- Educate users on safe practices to mitigate the risks associated with XSS attacks.
Patching and Updates
Stay proactive in applying security patches and updates provided by plugin developers to ensure the ongoing security of WordPress websites.