CVE-2021-24564 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides details about CVE-2021-24564, a vulnerability found in the WPFront Scroll Top WordPress plugin before version 2.0.6.07225 that leads to Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting issues.

Understanding CVE-2021-24564

This vulnerability affects the WPFront Scroll Top WordPress plugin, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts through an authenticated user.

What is CVE-2021-24564?

The WPFront Scroll Top WordPress plugin before version 2.0.6.07225 fails to properly sanitize or escape the Image ALT setting, making it vulnerable to Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24564

The presence of this vulnerability allows authenticated users, even with restricted capabilities, to inject and execute malicious scripts, potentially compromising the website's security and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24564

This section covers specific technical information about the CVE-2021-24564 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the lack of sanitization in the Image ALT setting. Attackers can exploit this to inject harmful scripts that get executed in the context of other users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue affects the WPFront Scroll Top plugin versions prior to 2.0.6.07225.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the Image ALT setting, authenticated users can insert malicious scripts that will be executed whenever the affected content is viewed.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your system from CVE-2021-24564, consider the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the WPFront Scroll Top plugin to version 2.0.6.07225 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability.
Review and restrict the access permissions of users with content creation capabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update all plugins and software to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Educate website administrators and users about the risks of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities and safe coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates released by plugin developers. Promptly apply patches and updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.