CVE-2021-24373 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress plugin WP Hardening < 1.2.2 is vulnerable to reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) due to improper handling of the historyvalue GET parameter.

Understanding CVE-2021-24373

This vulnerability in WP Hardening plugin versions prior to 1.2.2 allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser.

What is CVE-2021-24373?

The WP Hardening plugin before version 1.2.2 fails to properly sanitize the historyvalue GET parameter, enabling attackers to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code, potentially compromising user data and sessions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24373

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential manipulation of web content, posing a significant security risk to websites using the vulnerable plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24373

This section discusses the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the plugin's failure to sanitize the historyvalue GET parameter before incorporating it into JavaScript code, facilitating cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

WP Hardening plugin versions prior to 1.2.2 are affected by this XSS vulnerability, impacting websites that utilize these outdated versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious URLs containing the unsanitized historyvalue parameter to inject and execute arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24373, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website admins should promptly update the WP Hardening plugin to version 1.2.2 or newer to patch the XSS vulnerability and protect their systems from potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust input validation and output encoding mechanisms, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about plugin updates and security advisories to enhance overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security patches and updates released by the plugin vendor, and ensure timely application to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen the security of WordPress installations.