CVE-2021-24940 : What You Need to Know

Persian Woocommerce WordPress plugin through version 5.8.0 is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to improper handling of input data, potentially exposing websites to malicious attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24940

This CVE involves a security issue in the Persian Woocommerce WordPress plugin version 5.8.0 and earlier, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary scripts on a user's browser.

What is CVE-2021-24940?

The vulnerability stems from unescaped data being directly output in an attribute on the admin dashboard, opening the door for malicious actors to inject and execute scripts in the context of an authenticated user.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24940

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, cookie theft, session hijacking, defacement of the website, or the spread of malware to site visitors.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24940

The technical details of CVE-2021-24940 include:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the plugin failing to properly sanitize user-supplied input in the 's' parameter, leading to the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Persian Woocommerce versions up to and including 5.8.0 are impacted by this vulnerability, making sites using these versions susceptible to XSS attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can craft a specially-crafted link containing malicious script code and trick an authenticated user with admin privileges to click on it, thereby triggering the XSS payload.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24940, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Persian Woocommerce plugin to a secure version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor the website for any signs of unauthorized access or malicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly scan your website for vulnerabilities and apply security patches promptly.
Educate users with admin privileges on safe browsing habits and the importance of verifying links.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by the plugin vendor and apply them as soon as they become available to ensure your website is protected against known vulnerabilities.