CVE-2021-24561 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WP SMS WordPress plugin before version 5.4.13 is susceptible to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue. The vulnerability arises due to the plugin's failure to sanitize the "wp_group_name" parameter, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2021-24561

This CVE describes a security flaw in the WP SMS WordPress plugin that could be exploited by authenticated users to execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24561?

The WP SMS plugin prior to version 5.4.13 lacks proper sanitization of the user-controlled input, specifically the "wp_group_name" parameter. This oversight can result in a scenario where a malicious user inserts harmful scripts that are then executed within the context of the targeted user's browser.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24561

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to the compromise of sensitive user data, session hijacking, defacement of web pages, and other severe consequences. Attackers with authenticated access can leverage this XSS issue for malicious purposes.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24561

The following technical aspects are associated with CVE-2021-24561:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw resides in the inadequate sanitization of the "wp_group_name" parameter, enabling stored XSS attacks when rendering the content on the "Groups" page.

Affected Systems and Versions

WP SMS versions prior to 5.4.13 are impacted by this security issue. Users with affected versions are at risk of exploitation if not promptly addressed.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious payload and inserting it into the vulnerable parameter, authenticated users can insert scripts that then execute when the affected page is accessed, potentially compromising the user or administrator viewing the content.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the CVE-2021-24561 vulnerability, the following measures should be implemented:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WP SMS to version 5.4.13 or later to eliminate the security flaw.
Prioritize user input validation and output sanitization in plugin development to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security sources for plugin updates and security advisories.
Conduct security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in plugins.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates released by plugin developers to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of WordPress installations.