CVE-2021-24446 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability in the Remove Footer Credit WordPress plugin before 1.0.6 could allow an attacker to exploit Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) due to a missing Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) check during settings modification.

Understanding CVE-2021-24446

This CVE affects versions prior to 1.0.6 of the Remove Footer Credit WordPress plugin, enabling attackers to manipulate plugin settings and potentially execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24446?

The vulnerability arises from the absence of CSRF protection when saving plugin settings, opening the door for unauthorized modification by malicious actors and paving the way for Stored XSS exploits.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24446

If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to attackers compromising administrator accounts, injecting malicious scripts, and potentially taking control of affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24446

This section provides insights into the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The CVE exposes a lack of CSRF validation in the plugin's code, allowing attackers to manipulate settings and inject malicious scripts leading to stored XSS vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions prior to 1.0.6 of the Remove Footer Credit WordPress plugin are vulnerable to this security issue, impacting websites utilizing these versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the missing CSRF protection, threat actors can forge requests to modify plugin settings, potentially executing XSS attacks and compromising the integrity of WordPress sites.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the recommended steps to address and prevent the CVE-2021-24446 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Remove Footer Credit plugin to version 1.0.6 or later immediately.
Monitor website activity for any signs of unauthorized changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly.
Educate administrators on secure coding practices and the importance of validating user input.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for all plugins used on WordPress sites to mitigate the risks associated with known vulnerabilities.