CVE-2021-24693 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24693, a vulnerability in the Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin that can lead to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24693

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the security vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-24693?

The Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin before version 3.9.5 is susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks due to improper handling of the "File Thumbnail" post meta.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24693

The vulnerability allows users with as low a role as Contributor to execute JavaScript code in the context of a reviewer, potentially leading to unauthorized actions such as creating rogue admin accounts or installing malicious plugins.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24693

Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-24693 vulnerability in this section.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper escaping of user inputs, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts via the "File Thumbnail" post meta.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Simple Download Monitor versions prior to 3.9.5, making sites using these versions susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers, even with Contributor-level access, can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the administrative context, posing a significant security risk to WordPress sites.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to protect your systems from CVE-2021-24693 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators are advised to update the Simple Download Monitor plugin to version 3.9.5 or newer to remediate the vulnerability and enhance overall security posture.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, regular security audits, and user input sanitization can help prevent similar XSS vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant about security updates and promptly applying patches released by plugin developers is crucial for safeguarding WordPress sites against known vulnerabilities.