CVE-2021-24568 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides insights into CVE-2021-24568, a vulnerability in the AddToAny Share Buttons WordPress plugin before version 1.7.46 that allows authenticated users to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24568

CVE-2021-24568 is an authenticated stored XSS vulnerability in the AddToAny Share Buttons plugin, allowing high privilege users to exploit the plugin's Sharing Header setting.

What is CVE-2021-24568?

The AddToAny Share Buttons WordPress plugin before 1.7.46 fails to sanitize its Sharing Header setting, enabling admin users to perform Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when the unfiltered_html capability is disabled.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24568

This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into frontend pages, leading to potential data theft, user impersonation, and unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24568

The technical details of CVE-2021-24568 include vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in AddToAny Share Buttons plugin version less than 1.7.46 exposes a security risk by not properly sanitizing user input, resulting in XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of AddToAny Share Buttons plugin prior to 1.7.46 are vulnerable to this authenticated stored XSS issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated users, especially administrators, can leverage the plugin's Sharing Header setting to inject malicious scripts into pages and execute XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2021-24568 involves taking immediate steps, implementing long-term security practices, and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the AddToAny Share Buttons plugin to version 1.7.46 or higher to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce strict input validation, user permissions, and regular security audits to prevent similar security vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for plugin updates and apply patches promptly to ensure the security of WordPress websites and prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.