CVE-2021-24850 : What You Need to Know

The Insert Pages WordPress plugin before version 3.7.0 is vulnerable to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, allowing users with low-level roles like Contributor to inject malicious payloads into custom fields of other pages.

Understanding CVE-2021-24850

This CVE concerns a security vulnerability in the Insert Pages WordPress plugin that enables attackers to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks by leveraging the plugin's shortcode feature.

What is CVE-2021-24850?

The CVE-2021-24850 vulnerability exists in the Insert Pages plugin before version 3.7.0, enabling users with minimal privileges to inject malicious scripts into custom fields of other pages, potentially leading to the execution of arbitrary code in a victim's browser.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24850

Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, session hijacking, and the potential compromise of users' personal data. Attackers can craft specially-crafted payloads to exploit the vulnerability, compromising the security and integrity of WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24850

The following technical details outline the specifics of the CVE-2021-24850 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows users with limited roles to insert malicious code into custom fields of other pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Insert Pages WordPress plugin versions prior to 3.7.0 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can use the plugin's shortcode to inject malicious payloads into custom fields of other pages, leading to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your WordPress site against CVE-2021-24850, follow these recommendations:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Insert Pages plugin to version 3.7.0 or higher to patch the vulnerability.
Restrict the permissions of low-level users to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for plugin updates and security advisories.
Implement web application firewalls and security plugins to enhance website security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for plugins and promptly apply them to prevent security breaches and protect your website.