CVE-2021-36821 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress Forminator Plugin <= 1.14.11 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS).

Understanding CVE-2021-36821

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the WPMU DEV Forminator plugin affecting versions <= 1.14.11.

What is CVE-2021-36821?

An Unauthenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WPMU DEV Forminator plugin version 1.14.11 and earlier allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36821

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.1. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary scripts, steal sensitive data, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36821

This section provides detailed information on the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability is categorized as CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (Cross-site Scripting). It specifically involves a Stored XSS issue (CAPEC-592) in the Forminator plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The WPMU DEV Forminator plugin versions less than or equal to 1.14.11 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts through user-controlled input fields, which are not properly sanitized by the plugin's code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your system from CVE-2021-36821, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the WPMU DEV Forminator plugin to version 1.14.12 or higher to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update your plugins and software to ensure you have the latest security patches and protections.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security vulnerabilities in the plugins you use and apply patches promptly to address known issues.