CVE-2021-24896 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-24896, a vulnerability found in the Caldera Forms WordPress plugin version 1.9.5 and earlier. The vulnerability could allow high privilege users to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24896

CVE-2021-24896, also known as 'Caldera forms < 1.9.5 - Admin+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting,' is a security flaw discovered in the Caldera Forms WordPress plugin.

What is CVE-2021-24896?

The Caldera Forms WordPress plugin before version 1.9.5 fails to sanitize and escape the Form Name before displaying it in attributes. This oversight enables high privilege users to carry out Cross-Site Scripting attacks, even if the unfiltered_html capability is restricted.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24896

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows attackers with elevated privileges to inject malicious scripts into forms, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24896

Below are the specific technical details associated with CVE-2021-24896:

Vulnerability Description

The security issue arises from a lack of proper sanitization and escaping of Form Name attributes within the Caldera Forms plugin, opening doors for Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Caldera Forms versions prior to 1.9.5 are affected by this vulnerability. Specifically, version 1.9.5 and earlier are susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts via the Form Name attribute, leveraging the unfiltered_html capability even when restricted.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24896 and protect WordPress websites from potential exploitation, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Caldera Forms plugin to version 1.9.5 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, restricting access to high privilege accounts can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and educate users on identifying and avoiding potential XSS vulnerabilities to enhance the overall security posture of WordPress sites.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by plugin developers and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen the security of WordPress installations.