CVE-2021-24672 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The One User Avatar WordPress plugin before version 2.3.7 is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, allowing users with a low role like Contributor to exploit this security flaw.

Understanding CVE-2021-24672

This CVE details a vulnerability in the One User Avatar WordPress plugin that could be exploited by users with low privileges to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24672?

The One User Avatar WordPress plugin, before version 2.3.7, fails to properly escape the link and target attributes of its shortcode, enabling users with minimal roles such as Contributor to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24672

The impact of this CVE allows attackers with limited access to inject malicious scripts into the plugin, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24672

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

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the plugin's failure to sanitize link and target attributes in its shortcode, enabling unauthorized users to execute malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The One User Avatar WordPress plugin versions prior to 2.3.7 are affected by this vulnerability, leaving WordPress websites using these versions at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the lack of proper input validation in the plugin's code, attackers can insert malicious scripts through the shortcode, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24672, users and administrators can take immediate steps, implement long-term security practices, and apply relevant patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update the One User Avatar plugin to version 2.3.7 or higher to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, users can restrict access to trusted individuals until the patch is applied.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict role-based access control, conducting regular security audits, and educating users on safe coding practices can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for plugin updates, promptly applying security patches, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities in plugins can help prevent future security incidents.