CVE-2021-24619 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Per Page Add to Head <= 1.4.4 - Authenticated Stored XSS The Per page add to head WordPress plugin version 1.4.4 and below is affected by an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability that allows high privilege users to insert malicious HTML leading to potential security issues.

Understanding CVE-2021-24619

This CVE ID refers to the vulnerability found in the Per page add to head WordPress plugin version 1.4.4 and below that can be exploited by authenticated - and high privilege - users to inject malicious HTML.

What is CVE-2021-24619?

The CVE-2021-24619 relates to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Per Page Add to Head WordPress plugin version 1.4.4 and below, enabling users with adequate permissions to introduce harmful HTML content.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24619

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers with high privileges to insert malicious HTML code, potentially resulting in Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks on affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24619

The technical details of CVE-2021-24619 highlight the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The Per page add to head WordPress plugin through version 1.4.4 fails to properly sanitize one of its settings, thus enabling high privilege users to insert malicious HTML code even when the unfiltered_html capability is restricted, leading to Cross-Site Scripting issues.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the Per page add to head plugin up to version 1.4.4, leaving websites with this plugin installed at risk of exploitation by users with high privileges.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploit for CVE-2021-24619 involves authenticated users with elevated permissions inserting malicious HTML code through the vulnerable setting in the plugin, potentially causing Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24619, immediate steps can be taken to secure the affected systems and implement long-term security practices. Regular patching and updates are crucial to prevent such security threats.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should disable or uninstall the Per page add to head plugin version 1.4.4 and below to mitigate the risk of exploitation by malicious users exploiting this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, restricting user permissions, and conducting regular security audits can help maintain a secure WordPress environment and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Developers must monitor for security patches and updates released by plugin vendors, promptly applying them to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.