CVE-2021-24680 : What You Need to Know
Discover how WP Travel Engine plugin before 5.3.1 allows Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks by editors. Learn the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for CVE-2021-24680.
The WP Travel Engine WordPress plugin before version 5.3.1 is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks due to improper handling of the Description field, allowing threat actors with editor-level access to execute malicious scripts.
Understanding CVE-2021-24680
This CVE identifies a security issue in the WP Travel Engine plugin that could be exploited by users with low-level roles to inject and execute malicious scripts.
What is CVE-2021-24680?
The vulnerability in WP Travel Engine plugin version < 5.3.1 enables editors to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks through the Description field in specific pages.
The Impact of CVE-2021-24680
With this vulnerability, threat actors can bypass security restrictions and inject harmful scripts via the Description field, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the affected WordPress site.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24680
This section outlines key technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from the plugin's failure to properly escape the Description field, a loophole that allows editors to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
WP Travel Engine plugin versions prior to 5.3.1 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing websites to the risk of Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.
Exploitation Mechanism
By leveraging the unfiltered_html capability and editor permissions, threat actors can exploit this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts through the Description field.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting your WordPress site against CVE-2021-24680 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users should update the WP Travel Engine plugin to version 5.3.1 or later to patch the vulnerability and prevent potential Cross-Site Scripting attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strict access controls, regularly monitor for suspicious activities, and educate users on the risks of executing scripts within the WordPress environment.
Patching and Updates
Stay vigilant for plugin updates and security patches. Regularly update all WordPress plugins to mitigate the risk of emerging vulnerabilities.