CVE-2021-24558 : Security Advisory and Response

Project Status <= 1.6 - Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

Understanding CVE-2021-24558

This CVE refers to a reflected XSS vulnerability in the Project Status WordPress plugin version 1.6 and below.

What is CVE-2021-24558?

The vulnerability exists in the pspin_duplicate_post_save_as_new_post function of the Project Status plugin. It fails to properly sanitize, validate, or escape the post GET parameter, leading to a reflected XSS issue.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24558

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to inject malicious scripts into the web application, potentially compromising user data, defacing websites, or stealing sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24558

In-depth technical information about the vulnerability includes:

Vulnerability Description

The pspin_duplicate_post_save_as_new_post function does not adequately process user input, enabling attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an unsuspecting user's browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

Project Status plugin versions 1.6 and below are affected by this reflected XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a specifically formatted URL and tricking a user with access to the affected functionality to click on it, executing the malicious script.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24558, follow these recommendations:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or uninstall the Project Status plugin if not essential.
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter out malicious traffic.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all installed plugins and themes on your WordPress site.
Educate users on recognizing and avoiding suspicious links or content.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the Project Status plugin and apply patches promptly to protect your website from potential attacks.