CVE-2021-24571 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Understand CVE-2021-24571, a security flaw in HD Quiz WordPress plugin < 1.8.4 leading to Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting. Learn the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-24571, a vulnerability found in the HD Quiz WordPress plugin before version 1.8.4 that could lead to Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.
Understanding CVE-2021-24571
CVE-2021-24571 is a security vulnerability identified in the HD Quiz WordPress plugin prior to version 1.8.4. It involves the plugin not properly escaping certain Answers, which could result in Stored XSS issues when generating quizzes.
What is CVE-2021-24571?
The CVE-2021-24571 vulnerability pertains to the HD Quiz WordPress plugin versions earlier than 1.8.4. Due to inadequate validation of user input, attackers may exploit this flaw to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user.
The Impact of CVE-2021-24571
The impact of CVE-2021-24571 is significant as it allows authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary scripts into quiz responses, which can then be executed on the browsers of unsuspecting quiz takers. This can lead to various malicious activities, including data theft, session hijacking, and website defacement.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24571
The technical aspects of CVE-2021-24571 are crucial to understanding how this vulnerability can be exploited and the systems it affects.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper input sanitization in the HD Quiz WordPress plugin, version less than 1.8.4. Attackers can insert malicious scripts in Answers, leading to the execution of unauthorized code.
Affected Systems and Versions
HD Quiz versions prior to 1.8.4 are affected by CVE-2021-24571. It is crucial for users of this plugin to update to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
By manipulating quiz responses with specially crafted scripts, authenticated users can trigger the execution of malicious code within the quiz environment, posing a security risk to the website and its visitors.
Mitigation and Prevention
Addressing CVE-2021-24571 requires immediate action to safeguard systems and users against potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users of the HD Quiz plugin should upgrade to version 1.8.4 or newer to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, users are advised to review quiz content for any suspicious scripts or changes.
Long-Term Security Practices
To enhance overall security posture, website administrators should implement security best practices such as regular security audits, input validation, and user input sanitization across all plugins and themes.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying updates and patches to WordPress plugins and themes is vital in maintaining a secure website. Timely updates help address known vulnerabilities and strengthen the overall security of the WordPress ecosystem.