CVE-2021-24664 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2021-24664 affects the School Management System – WPSchoolPress WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.1.17, potentially leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities. Here's what you need to know about this security issue.

Understanding CVE-2021-24664

This vulnerability impacts the School Management System – WPSchoolPress plugin, specifically versions below 2.1.17. The issue arises from improper sanitization and escaping of user input, making it susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24664?

The School Management System – WPSchoolPress WordPress plugin before version 2.1.17 fails to properly escape user-supplied data when outputting in attributes. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious scripts, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24664

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of a victim's browser. This could result in various malicious activities, including session hijacking, defacement, and theft of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24664

This section dives deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw originates from the plugin's failure to properly escape certain fields before displaying them, potentially allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts in users' browsers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the School Management System – WPSchoolPress plugin prior to 2.1.17.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting specially crafted scripts into vulnerable fields within the plugin, which are then executed in the context of a user's session.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24664, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the School Management System – WPSchoolPress plugin to version 2.1.17 or higher to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, users should sanitize and properly escape user input to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about plugin updates and security patches to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to the School Management System – WPSchoolPress plugin and promptly apply patches and updates released by the vendor.