CVE-2021-34658 : Security Advisory and Response

A WordPress plugin named Simple Popup Newsletter, up to and including version 1.4.7, is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to inadequate handling of user inputs.

Understanding CVE-2021-34658

This vulnerability in the Simple Popup Newsletter plugin allows attackers to insert malicious scripts through a specific file, potentially compromising user data and website security.

What is CVE-2021-34658?

The Simple Popup Newsletter WordPress plugin is susceptible to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to the use of a specific PHP function that enables attackers to inject harmful web scripts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34658

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM severity, with a CVSS base score of 6.1. Attackers can exploit this issue without requiring any special privileges, leading to potential data breaches and website manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34658

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability originates from the improper use of $_SERVER['PHP_SELF'] in the ~/simple-popup-newsletter.php file, allowing attackers to introduce malicious web scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of the Simple Popup Newsletter plugin up to and including 1.4.7 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specific web requests to inject and execute malicious scripts on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-34658, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is advised to uninstall the Simple Popup Newsletter plugin to prevent any potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Website administrators should regularly monitor security advisories, maintain up-to-date software versions, and implement secure coding practices to reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Users should check for security updates, patches, or alternative plugins to address this vulnerability and ensure the overall security of their WordPress websites.