CVE-2021-25088 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed overview of the CVE-2021-25088 vulnerability in the Google XML Sitemaps plugin.

Understanding CVE-2021-25088

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-25088?

The Google XML Sitemaps WordPress plugin before version 4.1.3 is susceptible to a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack due to inadequate sanitization of settings displayed on the Debug page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-25088

The vulnerability could be exploited by high-privileged users to execute XSS attacks, even if unfiltered_html capability is restricted (e.g., in a multisite setup).

Technical Details of CVE-2021-25088

Explore the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2021-25088 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The XML Sitemaps plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape settings, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Google XML Sitemaps plugin versions older than 4.1.3.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privileges can exploit the vulnerability through the Debug page to execute XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-25088 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Google XML Sitemaps plugin to version 4.1.3 or newer to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security announcements and update plugins promptly to prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and implement updates to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.