CVE-2021-36896 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of the Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WordPress Pricing Table plugin version <= 1.5.2.

Understanding CVE-2021-36896

This section will cover the essential information regarding the CVE-2021-36896 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-36896?

The CVE-2021-36896 refers to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Pricing Table WordPress plugin versions equal to or lower than 1.5.2. The vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker with author or higher user role to inject malicious scripts into the plugin.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36896

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium based on the CVSS v3.1 scoring system. It can lead to unauthorized script execution and potentially compromise the integrity of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36896

In this section, we will dive into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-36896 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability presents an opportunity for an authenticated user to inject malicious scripts, thereby opening avenues for Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Pricing Table WordPress plugin versions less than or equal to 1.5.2 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The attacker, possessing an author or higher user role, can exploit the vulnerability by inserting crafted scripts into the affected plugin, leading to potential XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of the CVE-2021-36896 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

WordPress users are advised to update the Pricing Table plugin to a secure version beyond 1.5.2. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized script injections is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Adopting a proactive security stance by regularly updating plugins, implementing security plugins, and educating users on safe practices can bolster the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant for plugin updates, especially security patches, is crucial. Promptly applying patches and updates can safeguard WordPress websites from known vulnerabilities.