CVE-2021-24595 : What You Need to Know

The Wp Cookie Choice WordPress plugin version 1.1.0 and below is vulnerable to CSRF attacks leading to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) due to missing CSRF checks and proper data escaping.

Understanding CVE-2021-24595

This CVE highlights a security issue in the Wp Cookie Choice WordPress plugin that allows attackers to perform Cross-Site Scripting attacks by exploiting a Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-24595?

The vulnerability in Wp Cookie Choice plugin through version 1.1.0 enables attackers to manipulate an admin's settings via CSRF attacks, potentially injecting malicious scripts into the website.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24595

An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can perform unauthorized actions on behalf of an admin user, such as injecting harmful scripts, stealing sensitive data, or defacing the website.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24595

This section provides deeper insights into the vulnerability affecting the Wp Cookie Choice plugin.

Vulnerability Description

The lack of CSRF validation and output escaping in the plugin's options allows attackers to modify settings with arbitrary values, including XSS payloads, via CSRF attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Wp Cookie Choice plugin versions up to and including 1.1.0 are impacted by this vulnerability, potentially affecting WordPress websites using this specific plugin version.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by convincing a logged-in admin user to perform a specific action (e.g., click on a malicious link), triggering the CSRF attack and injecting malicious scripts into the site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your WordPress website from CVE-2021-24595, it is crucial to implement immediate mitigation steps and establish long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Wp Cookie Choice plugin to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Consider implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to help prevent CSRF and XSS attacks.
Educate administrators about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or granting unauthorized permissions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins and themes to ensure you are running the latest secure versions.
Conduct security audits and vulnerability scans periodically to identify and address potential security gaps.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates related to the Wp Cookie Choice plugin and promptly apply any patches released by the plugin vendor to protect your website from potential exploits.