CVE-2024-21744 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2024-21744 article delves into the details of a vulnerability in the Mapster WP Maps plugin for WordPress that exposes users to cross-site scripting attacks (XSS).

Understanding CVE-2024-21744

This section breaks down the critical components of CVE-2024-21744 to provide a comprehensive understanding of the security issue.

What is CVE-2024-21744?

CVE-2024-21744 refers to a vulnerability in the Mapster WP Maps plugin for WordPress, developed by Mapster Technology Inc., that allows for Stored XSS attacks. The affected versions range from n/a through 1.2.38.

The Impact of CVE-2024-21744

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized under CAPEC-592 Stored XSS, posing a medium severity risk to users. With a CVSS base score of 6.5, the attack complexity is low, requiring only network access and minimal privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-21744

This section explores the specific technical details related to CVE-2024-21744.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, enabling attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of the target site, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure or further attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mapster WP Maps versions from n/a through 1.2.38 are susceptible to this vulnerability, allowing threat actors to exploit the Stored XSS flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious scripts into user input fields, which are not adequately sanitized, allowing the execution of arbitrary code within the browser of unsuspecting visitors.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2024-21744, the following measures can be taken to mitigate the risk and enhance security posture.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Mapster WP Maps plugin to a non-vulnerable version.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit web applications for security vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and developers on secure coding practices to prevent injection attacks.
Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Mapster Technology Inc. should release a patch addressing the XSS vulnerability in affected versions promptly. Users are encouraged to update their Mapster WP Maps plugin to the latest secure version to avoid exploitation of this security flaw.