CVE-2021-24808 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed overview of the BP Better Messages WordPress plugin vulnerability leading to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).

Understanding CVE-2021-24808

This section provides insights into the vulnerability, its impacts, technical details, and mitigation steps.

What is CVE-2021-24808?

The BP Better Messages WordPress plugin before version 1.9.9.41 fails to properly escape the 'subject' parameter, resulting in a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24808

The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, leading to potential data theft, cookie theft, session hijacking, and more.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24808

In-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The plugin sanitizes the 'subject' parameter with sanitize_text_field but fails to escape it, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

BP Better Messages plugin versions earlier than 1.9.9.41 are vulnerable to this exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious links that, when clicked by authenticated users, execute unauthorized scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Best practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24808.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update the plugin to version 1.9.9.41 or later to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins, use security plugins, employ secure coding practices, and conduct security audits to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for all installed plugins and promptly apply patches to eliminate known vulnerabilities.