CVE-2021-24697 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides details about CVE-2021-24697, a vulnerability found in the Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin before version 3.9.5, leading to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting issues.

Understanding CVE-2021-24697

This section dives into the impact and technical details of the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-24697?

The Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin before version 3.9.5 is susceptible to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to unescaped parameters being output back in attributes.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24697

The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, leading to potential data theft or unauthorized actions on behalf of users.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24697

Let's explore the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the plugin failing to properly sanitize the 'sdm_active_tab' GET parameter and 'sdm_stats_start_date/sdm_stats_end_date' POST parameters, enabling cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Simple Download Monitor versions prior to 3.9.5 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft URLs or forms containing malicious scripts that, when executed, run within the context of the target user's session, potentially compromising sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to protect your systems from CVE-2021-24697.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Simple Download Monitor plugin to version 3.9.5 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for plugin updates and security advisories to promptly address any potential vulnerabilities in your WordPress environment.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security best practices and consider implementing web application firewalls to enhance your WordPress site's security posture.