CVE-2021-24789 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The Flat Preloader WordPress plugin before version 1.5.5 is affected by a stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability that could be exploited by high privilege users.

Understanding CVE-2021-24789

This CVE involves the Flat Preloader WordPress plugin version 1.5.5 and below, allowing attackers to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24789?

The Flat Preloader WordPress plugin before 1.5.5 is vulnerable to Cross-Site Scripting attacks, enabling high privilege users to execute malicious scripts even when unfiltered_html is disallowed.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24789

The vulnerability in the Flat Preloader plugin can be exploited by attackers with elevated privileges to inject and execute malicious scripts on the frontend, potentially compromising the security of the website.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24789

This section provides insights into the vulnerability details, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The Flat Preloader WordPress plugin version 1.5.5 and earlier fails to properly sanitize settings, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts in the frontend, leading to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Flat Preloader plugin versions prior to 1.5.5 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing websites to Cross-Site Scripting risks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privileges can exploit this vulnerability by inserting crafted scripts in the plugin's settings, bypassing security restrictions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24789, immediate steps along with long-term security practices and patching are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the Flat Preloader plugin to version 1.5.5 or later to address the Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any suspicious activities is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation mechanisms, conduct regular security audits, and educate users on safe coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from plugin vendors and apply patches promptly to protect your website from potential security risks.