CVE-2021-24517 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The Stop Spammers Security | Block Spam Users, Comments, Forms WordPress plugin before version 2021.18 is vulnerable to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack, allowing high privilege users to inject malicious scripts into settings despite restrictions.

Understanding CVE-2021-24517

This CVE describes a security vulnerability in the Stop Spammers Security WordPress plugin that allows authenticated high privilege users to execute XSS attacks by injecting malicious scripts into certain settings.

What is CVE-2021-24517?

The vulnerability in the Stop Spammers Security plugin before version 2021.18 enables authorized users, like admins, to insert Cross-Site Scripting payloads into settings, even if their unfiltered_html capability is turned off.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24517

The impact of this vulnerability is that it allows attackers with higher privileges to execute arbitrary scripts within the plugin settings, potentially leading to complete site takeover, data theft, or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24517

This section provides more insights into the vulnerability affecting the Stop Spammers Security plugin.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in version 2021.18 and below of the Stop Spammers Security plugin permits authenticated users with elevated privileges to introduce harmful XSS payloads into settings, bypassing security restrictions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Stop Spammers Security plugin versions before 2021.18 are affected by this XSS vulnerability, putting sites at risk when high privilege users misuse these settings.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves authenticated users, typically admins, taking advantage of unchecked settings to inject malicious scripts, compromising the security of WordPress sites.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your WordPress site from potential attacks leveraging CVE-2021-24517, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Stop Spammers Security plugin to version 2021.18 or newer to patch the XSS vulnerability and prevent unauthorized script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and review user permissions and capabilities to ensure that only necessary privileges are granted to each user, reducing the risk of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for plugins and themes, and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall security posture of your WordPress website.