CVE-2021-24529 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Grid Gallery < 1.2.5 - Authenticated Stored Cross Site Scripting (XSS)

Understanding CVE-2021-24529

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Grid Gallery – Photo Image Grid Gallery WordPress plugin before version 1.2.5, leading to an authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) threat.

What is CVE-2021-24529?

The Grid Gallery – Photo Image Grid Gallery WordPress plugin, versions before 1.2.5, fails to properly sanitize the title field for image galleries when adding them via the admin dashboard, allowing for an authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24529

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to inject malicious scripts into the plugin, potentially leading to the execution of unauthorized code in the context of an authenticated user. This can result in various harmful activities, including data theft, website defacement, and cookie stealing.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24529

This section provides more insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises due to inadequate input sanitization in the title field of image galleries, which enables attackers to embed malicious scripts through a specially crafted input, causing a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Grid Gallery – Photo Image Grid Gallery WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.2.5 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, malicious actors with authenticated access can insert malicious scripts via the plugin's title field, leading to the execution of unauthorized code within the application context.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24529, it is crucial to take immediate steps, adapt long-term security practices, and ensure timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Grid Gallery plugin to version 1.2.5 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities or unauthorized changes on the website.
Educate users on safe practices to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins, themes, and WordPress core to the latest versions.
Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) to filter and block malicious traffic.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing routinely to identify and resolve vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure prompt installation of security patches and updates released by the plugin developer to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.