CVE-2021-24933 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-24933, a vulnerability in the Dynamic Widgets WordPress plugin version 1.5.16 and earlier that could lead to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting issue.

Understanding CVE-2021-24933

CVE-2021-24933 is a security vulnerability identified in the Dynamic Widgets WordPress plugin version 1.5.16 and prior versions. The issue arises from improper handling of user input, potentially allowing an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser.

What is CVE-2021-24933?

The Dynamic Widgets WordPress plugin version 1.5.16 and earlier fail to properly escape the prefix parameter when using the term_tree AJAX action. This oversight could be exploited by authenticated users to perform Reflected Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24933

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized script execution in a victim's browser, potentially compromising sensitive information or performing malicious actions on behalf of the user.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24933

The technical aspects of CVE-2021-24933 are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user input, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue affects the Dynamic Widgets WordPress plugin version 1.5.16 and potentially earlier versions that lack adequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated users can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the prefix parameter in the term_tree AJAX action, triggering the execution of injected scripts within the context of the affected user's session.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24933 and mitigate associated risks, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Dynamic Widgets plugin to a secure version that addresses the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities or unauthorized changes within the affected plugin.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to maintain a secure environment.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks associated with executing untrusted scripts.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all software components, including plugins and themes, are regularly updated to address known security issues and maintain a secure WordPress environment.