CVE-2021-24382 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2021-24382 impacting Smart Slider 3 WordPress plugin. Discover the vulnerability description, affected versions, and mitigation steps to secure your WordPress site.
Smart Slider 3 plugin versions before 3.5.0.9 for WordPress are affected by an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability that could lead to privilege escalation for non-admin users.
Understanding CVE-2021-24382
This CVE is related to the Smart Slider 3 plugin for WordPress, impacting versions earlier than 3.5.0.9. The vulnerability allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting, posing a risk of privilege escalation.
What is CVE-2021-24382?
The Smart Slider 3 Free and Pro WordPress plugins prior to version 3.5.0.9 are susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting. This flaw arises from unsanitized Project Name output, potentially enabling attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of an authenticated user.
The Impact of CVE-2021-24382
While the vulnerability is restricted to administrator users by default, any leniency in user privileges could permit the exploit to non-admin users. Consequently, this vulnerability may result in unauthorized access, data manipulation, or other impacts on affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24382
The vulnerability allows for Stored Cross-Site Scripting, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts within the context of an authenticated user. The flaw stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize the Project Name before outputting it back on the page.
Vulnerability Description
The issue originates from the lack of sanitization of the Project Name field in the Smart Slider 3 plugin, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that could be executed in the browser of logged-in users, potentially leading to serious consequences.
Affected Systems and Versions
Smart Slider 3 versions prior to 3.5.0.9 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users with these versions are advised to update to the latest version to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the Project Name field through specific user actions, allowing them to execute unauthorized code within an authenticated session on affected WordPress sites.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-24382, users are recommended to implement immediate steps to secure their systems, follow long-term security practices, and apply necessary patches and updates.
Immediate Steps to Take
Immediately update the Smart Slider 3 plugin to version 3.5.0.9 or newer. Restrict access to the plugin's functionality to only necessary and trusted users to minimize the risk of unauthorized exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor for security advisories related to WordPress plugins and themes, educate users on secure practices, implement strong access controls, and conduct periodic security assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Nextend for the Smart Slider 3 plugin. Promptly apply any available patches to ensure the security of your WordPress website.