CVE-2021-24899 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The Media-Tags WordPress plugin through 3.2.0.2 is vulnerable to Admin+ Stored Cross-Site Scripting, allowing high privilege users to execute XSS attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24899

This CVE refers to a security vulnerability in the Media-Tags WordPress plugin version 3.2.0.2, enabling attackers to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24899?

The Media-Tags WordPress plugin up to version 3.2.0.2 fails to properly sanitize Labels settings, enabling high privilege users to perform XSS attacks even if the unfiltered_htnl capability is disabled.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24899

The vulnerability could lead to the execution of malicious scripts in the context of an administrator account, potentially compromising the entire WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24899

The following technical details outline the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the plugin's failure to sanitize and escape Labels settings, creating a window for XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Media-Tags plugin versions less than or equal to 3.2.0.2 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privilege in a WordPress environment can exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your system from CVE-2021-24899, consider the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable the Media-Tags plugin if not essential for operations.
Implement web application firewalls and security plugins to filter out malicious scripts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all WordPress plugins and themes to patch vulnerabilities.
Educate users with administrative privileges on safe practices to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the Media-Tags WordPress plugin and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.