CVE-2021-24413 : Security Advisory and Response

Easy Twitter Feed WordPress plugin before version 1.2 is vulnerable to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, allowing contributors or higher role users to inject malicious code via shortcode parameters.

Understanding CVE-2021-24413

This CVE discloses a security issue in the Easy Twitter Feed WordPress plugin that enables attackers with contributor or higher roles to execute stored XSS attacks by inserting malicious payloads into shortcode parameters.

What is CVE-2021-24413?

The Easy Twitter Feed WordPress plugin version less than 1.2 fails to properly sanitize or validate parameters from its shortcode, enabling users with role as low as a contributor to embed malicious XSS payload that gets triggered when the shortcode is used on affected pages.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24413

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to various malicious activities such as cookie theft, session hijacking, or defacement of web pages.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24413

The technical details of CVE-2021-24413 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the plugin's failure to sanitize user-controlled input, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts within the context of the victim's browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

Easy Twitter Feed plugin versions below 1.2 are affected by this stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability, potentially impacting WordPress sites using the plugin.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor or higher roles can craft a malicious shortcode with an XSS payload and embed it on pages to trigger the payload when the page is viewed by a victim.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24413, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Easy Twitter Feed plugin to version 1.2 or above to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the website that may indicate a successful exploitation of the XSS vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit plugins and themes for security vulnerabilities.
Educate users about the dangers of XSS attacks and best practices for securing WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for WordPress plugins and apply patches promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.