CVE-2021-24909 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The ACF Photo Gallery Field WordPress plugin before version 1.7.5 is affected by a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability due to improper handling of the post parameter.

Understanding CVE-2021-24909

This CVE refers to a security issue in the ACF Photo Gallery Field plugin for WordPress that could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts on the victim's browser.

What is CVE-2021-24909?

The vulnerability in ACF Photo Gallery Field plugin versions prior to 1.7.5 arises from unescaped output of the post parameter, enabling an attacker to inject and execute malicious scripts on targeted users' browsers.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24909

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack, where an attacker tricks a user into executing malicious scripts, potentially compromising sensitive data or taking control of the user's session.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24909

The technical details of the CVE-2021-24909 vulnerability include:

Vulnerability Description

The issue originates from the lack of sanitization of user-controlled data, specifically the post parameter, while rendering HTML output in the 'includes/acf_photo_gallery_metabox_edit.php' script.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE affects all versions of the ACF Photo Gallery Field plugin prior to version 1.7.5.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious link containing the payload and enticing a logged-in user to click on it, leading to the execution of arbitrary scripts in the context of the user's session.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24909, consider implementing the following security measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the ACF Photo Gallery Field plugin to version 1.7.5 or newer to address the vulnerability and ensure secure usage.
Avoid clicking on untrusted or suspicious links that could potentially trigger XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and update all plugins and themes to their latest secure versions.
Educate users about safe browsing practices to prevent falling victim to social engineering attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by the plugin vendor and apply them promptly to safeguard your WordPress website from potential security threats.