CVE-2021-24880 : What You Need to Know

WordPress plugin SupportCandy version < 2.2.7 allows low-role users like Contributors to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24880

This CVE relates to a vulnerability in the SupportCandy WordPress plugin that could be exploited by users with minimal permissions to carry out malicious Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24880?

The CVE-2021-24880 vulnerability stems from SupportCandy's failure to validate and escape the page attribute within its shortcode, enabling Contributors and other lower-role users to engage in Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24880

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthorized users to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, leading to potential data theft or manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24880

The technical details of CVE-2021-24880 include:

Vulnerability Description

SupportCandy plugin versions prior to 2.2.7 lack proper validation for the page attribute in shortcodes, facilitating Cross-Site Scripting attacks by low-role users.

Affected Systems and Versions

SupportCandy plugin versions less than 2.2.7 are affected, exposing WordPress sites to the risk of Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by users with roles as low as Contributors by injecting malicious scripts through the unvalidated page attribute in SupportCandy's shortcode.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2021-24880, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update SupportCandy plugin to version 2.2.7 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update WordPress plugins and themes to ensure security patches are applied promptly, reducing the risk of future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Keep abreast of security alerts and CVEs related to WordPress plugins, applying patches and updates as soon as they are available to maintain a secure website environment.