CVE-2021-24954 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24954, a vulnerability in the ProfilePress WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2021-24954

This CVE identifies a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the ProfilePress WordPress plugin before version 3.2.3.

What is CVE-2021-24954?

The User Registration, Login Form, User Profile & Membership WordPress plugin before 3.2.3 has a security flaw that allows an attacker to execute malicious scripts via a crafted ppress_cc_data parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24954

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting issue, enabling attackers to perform various malicious activities such as stealing sensitive information, hijacking user sessions, or defacing websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24954

Exploring the technical aspects of CVE-2021-24954's vulnerability and impact.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape the ppress_cc_data parameter, allowing for arbitrary script execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the ProfilePress (Formerly WP User Avatar) plugin prior to version 3.2.3.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the ppress_cc_data parameter and tricking an administrator into visiting a specially crafted page.

Mitigation and Prevention

Guidelines on how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24954 and prevent further exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the ProfilePress plugin to version 3.2.3 or newer to eliminate this security flaw.

Long-Term Security Practices

Adopting secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about plugin updates can help mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security updates and apply patches promptly to ensure the safety and integrity of WordPress websites.