CVE-2021-24474 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the security implications of CVE-2021-24474 affecting Awesome Weather Widget plugin <= 3.0.2. Learn the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
The Awesome Weather Widget WordPress plugin version 3.0.2 and below is vulnerable to a Reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) attack due to unsanitized user input, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts on the victims' browsers.
Understanding CVE-2021-24474
This CVE identifies a security issue in the Awesome Weather Widget WordPress plugin up to version 3.0.2, making it susceptible to XSS attacks.
What is CVE-2021-24474?
The vulnerability in this plugin arises from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data, specifically the 'id' parameter within the 'awesome_weather_refresh' AJAX action, enabling malicious actors to inject and execute scripts remotely.
The Impact of CVE-2021-24474
Due to this flaw, threat actors can exploit the XSS vulnerability to trick users into executing unintended actions, potentially compromising sensitive data or spreading malware.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24474
This section outlines the specific technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The issue lies in the plugin's failure to properly filter user inputs, allowing for the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Awesome Weather Widget versions up to and including 3.0.2.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can craft malicious links or messages containing the XSS payload, which, when interacted with by users, triggers the execution of the injected script.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting your systems and data from CVE-2021-24474 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update the Awesome Weather Widget plugin to a secure version, such as 3.0.3 or later, to mitigate the XSS risk.
Long-Term Security Practices
Maintain a proactive approach to security by regularly updating plugins, monitoring for security advisories, and educating users to recognize and avoid suspicious links.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches released by the plugin developer and apply them promptly to maintain a secure WordPress environment.