CVE-2021-24588 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24588, a cross-site scripting vulnerability in the SMS Alert Order Notifications WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2021-24588

This vulnerability affects the SMS Alert Order Notifications plugin for WooCommerce versions below 3.4.7, allowing for cross-site scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24588?

The SMS Alert Order Notifications plugin before version 3.4.7 is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) exploit on its settings page.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24588

The XSS vulnerability in the plugin's setting page could be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user, potentially leading to account compromise or sensitive data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24588

Below are the technical details regarding the CVE-2021-24588 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's settings page, which can be triggered when an authenticated user interacts with the affected page.

Affected Systems and Versions

The SMS Alert Order Notifications plugin versions less than 3.4.7 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can craft and submit malicious scripts through the plugin's setting page, potentially compromising user accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2021-24588 using the following steps.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the SMS Alert Order Notifications plugin to version 3.4.7 or higher to patch the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for any suspicious activities or unauthorized changes in the WordPress plugin settings.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter and block malicious traffic and scripts.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for all installed WordPress plugins and apply them promptly to mitigate the risk of known vulnerabilities.