CVE-2021-24815 : What You Need to Know

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24815, a vulnerability in the Accept Donations with PayPal WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2021-24815

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the Accept Donations with PayPal plugin that could lead to a Cross-Site Scripting attack.

What is CVE-2021-24815?

The Accept Donations with PayPal WordPress plugin prior to version 1.3.2 fails to properly escape the Amount Menu Name field in created Buttons, enabling high-privileged users to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks, even with restricted capabilities.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24815

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in malicious code injection, potentially compromising user data and the security of the affected WordPress websites. Attackers could exploit this to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users or steal sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24815

A deeper look into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper sanitization and validation of user input, specifically in the Amount Menu Name field within button creation, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary script code.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the Accept Donations with PayPal plugin up to and including 1.3.2.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious payload and submitting it through the vulnerable field, attackers can execute scripts within the context of the target WordPress site, posing a serious security risk.

Mitigation and Prevention

Measures to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-24815.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Accept Donations with PayPal plugin to version 1.3.2 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Consider restricting access to the affected plugin until it has been updated to a secure version.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and apply patches promptly to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Educate users with elevated privileges on the importance of safe practices to minimize the impact of potential security flaws.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to the Accept Donations with PayPal plugin and promptly apply any patches released by the vendor to maintain a secure environment.