CVE-2021-24996 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The IDPay for Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin version 2.1.2 and earlier is impacted by a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability due to improper handling of the idpay_error parameter.

Understanding CVE-2021-24996

This vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

What is CVE-2021-24996?

The IDPay for Contact Form 7 WordPress plugin versions up to 2.1.2 are vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24996

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, defacement of websites, and the execution of malicious actions on behalf of users.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24996

The security flaw arises from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape the idpay_error parameter before displaying it back on the page.

Vulnerability Description

The lack of input filtering in the idpay_error parameter exposes the plugin to XSS attacks, enabling threat actors to inject and execute malicious code in the context of unsuspecting users.

Affected Systems and Versions

IDPay for Contact Form 7 plugin versions 2.1.2 and prior are susceptible to this security issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft a specially-crafted link containing malicious scripts, tricking users into clicking it and executing the injected code within the victim's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

Proactive measures should be taken to safeguard systems and data from the exploitation of CVE-2021-24996.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the IDPay for Contact Form 7 plugin to the latest version, where the vulnerability has been patched.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, perform regular security audits, and educate users on recognizing and avoiding suspicious links to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for plugins and ensure timely installation of patches to address known vulnerabilities.