CVE-2021-24671 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability has been discovered in the MX Time Zone Clocks WordPress plugin before version 3.4.1, allowing users with low-level roles like Contributor to execute malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2021-24671

This CVE identifies a security flaw in MX Time Zone Clocks plugin that could be exploited by low-privileged users to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24671?

The CVE-2021-24671 refers to a vulnerability in the MX Time Zone Clocks WordPress plugin version lower than 3.4.1 that enables users with minimal permissions to execute harmful scripts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24671

The impact of this CVE is significant as it allows attackers with low-level user roles to inject malicious code into the plugin, posing a security risk to the WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24671

This section outlines the technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize the time_zone attribute of the mxmtzc_time_zone_clocks shortcode, enabling unauthorized script execution by Contributors.

Affected Systems and Versions

MX Time Zone Clocks plugin versions prior to 3.4.1 are susceptible to this exploit, putting WordPress sites at risk if not promptly addressed.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of input validation in the time_zone attribute, attackers with low-level access, such as Contributors, can insert malicious code into the plugin, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard WordPress sites from CVE-2021-24671, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential to mitigate the risks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators should update the MX Time Zone Clocks plugin to version 3.4.1 or newer to eliminate the vulnerability and perform security checks for any unauthorized script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly updating plugins, implementing security plugins, and monitoring user roles can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress sites.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security patches released by plugin developers and promptly applying them is crucial to preventing security incidents related to known vulnerabilities.