CVE-2021-24480 : What You Need to Know
Discover CVE-2021-24480, a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Event Geek WordPress plugin <= 2.5.2, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts. Learn how to mitigate and prevent this issue.
A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24480, a vulnerability in the Event Geek WordPress plugin through version 2.5.2 leading to a stored Cross-site Scripting (XSS) issue.
Understanding CVE-2021-24480
This section provides insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.
What is CVE-2021-24480?
The Event Geek WordPress plugin version 2.5.2 and below fail to properly sanitize user input, specifically the "Use your own" setting, allowing for an authenticated stored XSS attack.
The Impact of CVE-2021-24480
The vulnerability could be exploited by an authenticated attacker with admin privileges to inject malicious scripts into web pages, potentially leading to account takeovers or data theft.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24480
Delve deeper into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-24480 vulnerability to understand its implications.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw arises from the plugin's failure to sanitize user inputs effectively, enabling attackers to insert malicious code that executes when the compromised page loads, endangering users' data.
Affected Systems and Versions
Event Geek versions up to 2.5.2 are vulnerable to this issue, making websites leveraging these versions susceptible to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with admin access can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts through the vulnerable setting, which are then stored in the database and executed when the page loads.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24480 and prevent future breaches.
Immediate Steps to Take
Website administrators should update the Event Geek plugin to the latest version, 2.5.3 or above, which addresses the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any unauthorized script injections is crucial.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement secure coding practices, regularly audit plugins for vulnerabilities, and educate users on best security practices to reduce the risk of XSS attacks.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches and updates released by plugin developers and promptly apply them to ensure your WordPress site remains secure.