CVE-2021-24718 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been discovered in the ARForms Form Builder plugin for WordPress, specifically versions earlier than 1.5. This vulnerability could allow high-privileged users to execute Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks even if the unfiltered_html capability is disabled.

Understanding CVE-2021-24718

This section will cover the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to the ARForms Form Builder plugin vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-24718?

The Contact Form, Survey & Popup Form Plugin for WordPress plugin before version 1.5 fails to properly sanitize certain settings. This flaw enables users with high privileges to conduct XSS attacks, even when unfiltered_html capability is disallowed.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24718

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, leading to unauthorized actions and data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24718

Let's explore the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from inadequate sanitization of settings within the ARForms Form Builder plugin, granting malicious users the ability to inject and execute arbitrary scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the Contact Form, Survey & Popup Form Plugin for WordPress plugin that are older than 1.5.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privileges within the WordPress platform can leverage this vulnerability to execute XSS attacks, compromising the security and integrity of the affected websites.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the immediate steps to take and best practices for enhancing the security of WordPress plugins.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the ARForms Form Builder plugin to version 1.5 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any unauthorized activities or scripts is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security measures such as regular security audits, restricting user permissions, and staying informed about plugin updates can help prevent similar security incidents in the future.

Patching and Updates

Developers should ensure that plugins undergo thorough security assessments, address any vulnerabilities promptly, and release patches and updates to protect users from potential exploits.