CVE-2021-42361 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The Contact Form Email WordPress plugin up to version 1.3.24 is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting due to insufficient input validation.

Understanding CVE-2021-42361

The vulnerability in the Contact Form Email plugin could allow attackers with administrative user access to inject arbitrary web scripts.

What is CVE-2021-42361?

The Contact Form Email plugin, version 1.3.24 and below, is prone to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the name parameter, impacting certain types of WordPress installations.

The Impact of CVE-2021-42361

This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers with admin user rights to execute malicious scripts, presenting a medium-severity risk due to the potential for script injection.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-42361

The technical aspects of the vulnerability provide insights into its nature and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw exists in the name parameter within the ~/trunk/cp-admin-int-list.inc.php file.
Attackers with admin access can insert harmful scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Contact Form Email plugin versions up to and including 1.3.24 are vulnerable.
Multi-site installations with disabled unfiltered_html for admins are at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit insufficient input validation in the name parameter to execute unauthorized scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure systems against CVE-2021-42361, immediate and long-term measures are necessary.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the plugin to version 1.3.25 or newer.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update plugins to patch vulnerabilities proactively.
Implement strict input validation to prevent script injection.
Enforce the principle of least privilege for administrative accounts.
Monitor and restrict the use of unfiltered_html in WordPress configurations.
Educate users on safe practices to mitigate risks effectively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply updates promptly to fortify WordPress installations.