CVE-2021-24476 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability was discovered in the Steam Group Viewer WordPress plugin through version 2.1. This CVE-2021-24476 allows attackers to execute malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2021-24476

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2021-24476 vulnerability, its impact, technical description, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-24476?

The Steam Group Viewer plugin, up to version 2.1, fails to properly sanitize or escape the 'Steam Group Address' settings, enabling authenticated attackers to exploit this vulnerability for executing malicious scripts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24476

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows authenticated attackers to carry out Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, potentially compromising the security and integrity of WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24476

Let's explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-24476 vulnerability to better understand its implications and how to address it.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the lack of input sanitization in the 'Steam Group Address' settings, facilitating the injection of malicious scripts into the WordPress site pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Steam Group Viewer plugin versions up to 2.1 are affected by this vulnerability, making WordPress sites utilizing these versions susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with authenticated access can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts via the 'Steam Group Address' settings, leading to the execution of arbitrary code within the context of the affected WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24476, immediate steps should be taken, alongside implementing long-term security practices and staying updated with necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the Steam Group Viewer plugin if not crucial for site functionality.
Monitor for any unauthorized changes or activities on the WordPress site.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all plugins and themes to the latest versions.
Implement strict input validation and output sanitization practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by plugin developers. Apply patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.