CVE-2021-24921 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The Advanced Database Cleaner WordPress plugin before version 3.0.4 is affected by a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability due to unsanitized $_GET keys and values in attributes.

Understanding CVE-2021-24921

This CVE describes a security issue in the Advanced Database Cleaner plugin for WordPress that can lead to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24921?

The CVE-2021-24921 vulnerability in the Advanced Database Cleaner plugin allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24921

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized script execution in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to data theft and other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24921

The following technical details are associated with CVE-2021-24921:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper sanitization and escaping of user inputs, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary scripts into web pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected version of the Advanced Database Cleaner plugin is less than 3.0.4.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating $_GET parameters to inject and execute malicious scripts on the target website.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24921, follow these security practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Advanced Database Cleaner plugin to version 3.0.4 or newer to eliminate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review the security configurations of WordPress plugins to avoid similar security issues.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by plugin developers to address potential vulnerabilities.