CVE-2021-24710 : What You Need to Know

The Print-O-Matic WordPress plugin before version 2.0.3 is vulnerable to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, potentially allowing high privilege users to execute malicious scripts. Here's what you need to know about CVE-2021-24710.

Understanding CVE-2021-24710

Print-O-Matic < 2.0.3 - Admin+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting

What is CVE-2021-24710?

The Print-O-Matic WordPress plugin prior to version 2.0.3 fails to properly escape certain settings before displaying them in attributes, enabling users with high privileges to carry out Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, even if the unfiltered_html capability is restricted.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24710

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the web application, potentially leading to unauthorized actions, data theft, or complete compromise of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24710

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the plugin's failure to sanitize certain settings, allowing attackers to insert malicious scripts that are executed in the context of a privileged user.

Affected Systems and Versions

Print-O-Matic versions earlier than 2.0.3 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users with unpatched versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, threat actors can inject malicious scripts through certain plugin settings, which are then executed in the context of privileged users, opening doors to various attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are urged to update the Print-O-Matic plugin to version 2.0.3 or later immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Furthermore, restrict access to administrative capabilities to trusted users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporate secure coding practices to sanitize and validate user inputs, employ Content Security Policy (CSP) headers, and regularly audit plugins for security vulnerabilities to enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security patches and updates released by the plugin vendor. Promptly apply patches to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and the system is protected from potential exploits.