CVE-2021-24481 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Any Hostname plugin version 1.0.6 and below is vulnerable to an authenticated stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue. High privilege users can exploit the 'Allowed hosts' setting to inject malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2021-24481

This CVE relates to a security vulnerability in the Any Hostname WordPress plugin version 1.0.6 and earlier, allowing authenticated users with high privileges to execute stored XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24481?

The CVE-2021-24481 vulnerability exists in the Any Hostname WordPress plugin through version 1.0.6, potentially enabling high privilege users to input malicious XSS payloads into the 'Allowed hosts' field.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24481

An attacker with high-level access can exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute arbitrary scripts within the settings, posing a risk of account takeover, data theft, or other forms of malicious activity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24481

The following details highlight the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2021-24481 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper sanitization in the 'Allowed hosts' parameter, allowing attackers to store and execute XSS payloads within the plugin settings.

Affected Systems and Versions

Any Hostname plugin versions up to and including 1.0.6 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, potentially exposing all users of these versions to the risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-24481 requires authenticated access with high privileges within the WordPress installation, enabling threat actors to manipulate the 'Allowed hosts' setting to insert harmful scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the CVE-2021-24481 vulnerability, it is crucial to implement the following security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Any Hostname plugin to version 1.0.7 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Restrict access to high privilege accounts to limit the potential impact of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit security configurations and user permissions within WordPress installations.
Educate users about best practices for avoiding and reporting suspicious activities related to XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for WordPress plugins, ensuring timely installation of patches to address known vulnerabilities.