CVE-2021-24708 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides details about CVE-2021-24708, a vulnerability in the 'Export any WordPress data to XML/CSV' plugin.

Understanding CVE-2021-24708

This CVE involves a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in versions of the plugin prior to 1.3.1.

What is CVE-2021-24708?

The 'Export any WordPress data to XML/CSV' plugin before version 1.3.1 fails to escape Export's Name, potentially enabling high privilege users to conduct XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24708

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious users to execute arbitrary scripts on a target WordPress site, leading to various security risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24708

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize the Export's Name before displaying it in Manage Exports settings.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the 'Export any WordPress data to XML/CSV' plugin that are older than 1.3.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors with high privilege user access could exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts on a targeted WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial for users to take immediate actions to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-24708.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the plugin to version 1.3.1 or newer to address this vulnerability effectively.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict data validation and sanitization practices can help prevent XSS vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating plugins and maintaining an active security posture are essential steps in safeguarding against potential security threats.