CVE-2021-24873 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24873 affecting Tutor LMS WordPress plugin version 1.9.11 and below, leading to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2021-24873

This CVE involves the Tutor LMS WordPress plugin version 1.9.11 and earlier, which fails to properly sanitize and escape user input, resulting in a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-24873?

The vulnerability in the Tutor LMS plugin before 1.9.11 allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into attributes on the Student Registration page, potentially leading to arbitrary script execution in the context of a victim's browser.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24873

Exploitation of this vulnerability could enable attackers to trick users into executing unintended actions, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or session hijacking.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24873

The following technical aspects are relevant to understanding and addressing CVE-2021-24873.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper input sanitization in the Tutor LMS plugin, allowing malicious scripts to be reflected back and executed within the user's browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

Tutor LMS versions prior to 1.9.11 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing users of these versions to potential cross-site scripting attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially designed URLs containing malicious scripts, tricking victims into clicking the manipulated links and executing the injected code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2021-24873 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should upgrade to Tutor LMS version 1.9.11 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, caution should be exercised while interacting with URLs from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, input validation mechanisms, and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for updates from Tutor LMS plugin developers and apply patches promptly to address security flaws and enhance overall system security.