CVE-2021-24821 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The Cost Calculator WordPress plugin before version 1.6 is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, allowing users with a low role such as Contributor to exploit this security flaw. This can be achieved through specific fields within the plugin, leading to potential XSS threats.

Understanding CVE-2021-24821

This section provides insights into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-24821?

The Cost Calculator plugin, prior to version 1.6, permits users with minimal permissions to execute Stored XSS attacks. By manipulating Description fields within the plugin, adversaries can inject malicious scripts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24821

By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can insert harmful scripts through certain fields like Price Settings and Text Preview. These scripts are then executed when editing projects or viewing embedded calculators, posing a significant risk of XSS attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24821

Let's dive deeper into the specifics of this security issue to understand its implications better.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Cost Calculator plugin allows users with low privileges to inject malicious scripts through specific fields, leading to potential XSS threats.

Affected Systems and Versions

Cost Calculator versions prior to 1.6 are affected by this vulnerability, making websites using these versions susceptible to XSS attacks by users with limited roles.

Exploitation Mechanism

Adversaries can exploit this flaw by inserting malicious scripts into the Description fields of Price Settings and Text Preview, which can be executed on certain pages, exposing the site to XSS risks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your system from CVE-2021-24821 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the Cost Calculator plugin to version 1.6 or higher to mitigate the XSS risk. Additionally, monitoring user permissions and inputs can help prevent such attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating users about safe data input can strengthen the overall security posture of the website.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates to all plugins, themes, and core files is essential to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-24821.