CVE-2021-36889 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

WordPress tarteaucitron.js – Cookies legislation & GDPR plugin <= 1.6 has been found to have multiple Stored Authenticated Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities were discovered by Ex.Mi (Patchstack) on December 17, 2021.

Understanding CVE-2021-36889

This section will provide insights into the nature of the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-36889?

CVE-2021-36889 involves multiple Stored Authenticated Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the WordPress tarteaucitron.js – Cookies legislation & GDPR plugin versions <= 1.6.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36889

The impact of this CVE is considered to be LOW, with a CVSS base score of 3.4. Although the attack complexity is low and there is no availability impact, certain high privileges are required for exploitation, making user interaction necessary.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36889

Let's delve into the technical aspects of this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves multiple Stored Authenticated Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issues in the affected versions of the plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system includes the tarteaucitron.js – Cookies legislation & GDPR WordPress plugin versions <= 1.6.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an authenticated attacker can inject malicious scripts via specific plugin functionalities, posing a risk to website security.

Mitigation and Prevention

It's crucial to take immediate steps to address this vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the plugin to version 1.6.1 or higher immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to patching, implementing secure coding practices, user input validation, and regular security audits are essential for ensuring website security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security patches and updates released by the plugin vendor to address potential vulnerabilities and enhance website security.