CVE-2021-24814 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

WordPress GDPR & CCPA plugin before version 1.9.26 is vulnerable to Authenticated Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. The plugin responds with JSON data without an "application/json" content-type, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious JavaScript code on a victim's browser, potentially leading to full control of the WordPress instance.

Understanding CVE-2021-24814

This CVE details a security vulnerability in the WordPress GDPR & CCPA plugin that could be exploited by authenticated users to perform XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24814?

The check_privacy_settings AJAX action of the WordPress GDPR plugin before version 1.9.26 allows both unauthenticated and authenticated users to interact with it. The lack of proper escaping for HTML payloads in the JSON response can be abused to execute malicious JavaScript code on a victim's browser.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24814

Exploiting this vulnerability could result in a threat actor gaining full control of the WordPress instance if the victim is an administrator with a valid session cookie. This could lead to unauthorized AJAX calls and iframe manipulation due to the absence of same-origin restrictions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24814

This section covers the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of JSON data in the check_privacy_settings AJAX action, allowing for the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code.

Affected Systems and Versions

WordPress GDPR & CCPA plugin versions before 1.9.26 are affected by this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code into JSON data responses to exploit this vulnerability and potentially compromise the target WordPress instance.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2021-24814 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices to mitigate risks.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update the WordPress GDPR & CCPA plugin to version 1.9.26 or later to address this security issue. Additionally, users should be cautious while navigating untrusted websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, regularly updating plugins and themes, and monitoring for suspicious activities can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Staying current with security patches, following best practices in web development, and conducting regular security audits are crucial in preventing XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-24814.