CVE-2021-25120 : What You Need to Know

Easy Social Feed < 6.2.7 - Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts on a victim's browser. Learn about its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-25120

This CVE pertains to a vulnerability in the Easy Social Feed Free and Pro WordPress plugins that exposes websites to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

What is CVE-2021-25120?

The Easy Social Feed Free and Pro WordPress plugins before version 6.2.7 fail to properly sanitize certain parameters used via AJAX actions. This oversight allows attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts on a victim's browser.

The Impact of CVE-2021-25120

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, defacement, or other malicious activities on the target website. By tricking a user into clicking a specially crafted link, an attacker can execute arbitrary code in the context of the affected site.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-25120

This section provides more insight into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The lack of proper input sanitization in the Easy Social Feed plugins allows attackers to inject malicious scripts through specific AJAX actions, resulting in Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

Easy Social Feed Pro versions prior to 6.2.7, as well as Easy Social Feed – Social Photos Gallery – Post Feed – Like Box versions before 6.2.7, are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By enticing a user to click on a crafted link, an attacker can manipulate the vulnerable parameters to execute malicious scripts in the victim's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your system against CVE-2021-25120 requires immediate action and adopting long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Easy Social Feed plugins to version 6.2.7 or higher to patch the vulnerability.
Consider disabling any unnecessary AJAX actions to reduce attack surface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins and themes to their latest versions.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from plugin developers and promptly apply patches to ensure your website remains protected from emerging threats.