CVE-2021-24526 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Form Maker < 1.13.60 - Authenticated Stored XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts on WordPress sites. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-24526

This CVE refers to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Form Maker WordPress plugin version less than 1.13.60.

What is CVE-2021-24526?

The Form Maker plugin before 1.13.60 fails to properly sanitize the Form Title, enabling authenticated users to inject malicious scripts, leading to an XSS attack.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24526

Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially stealing sensitive information or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the user.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24526

The technical details include:

Vulnerability Description

The lack of input validation in the Form Maker plugin allows authenticated users to insert malicious scripts into the Form Title, opening doors for XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Form Maker versions below 1.13.60 are impacted by this vulnerability, putting WordPress sites at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a specially-crafted Form Title containing malicious scripts, attackers can trigger the XSS payload during the form editing process in the WordPress admin dashboard.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure your WordPress site against CVE-2021-24526, consider the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Form Maker plugin to version 1.13.60 or higher to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor user inputs and sanitize all form fields to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update all plugins and themes to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Educate users on safe form creation practices to minimize security risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the Form Maker plugin and promptly apply patches to protect your site from known vulnerabilities.