CVE-2021-25006 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The MOLIE WordPress plugin version 0.5 and below is vulnerable to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue due to improper handling of the course_id parameter. An attacker could exploit this to execute malicious scripts in a victim's browser.

Understanding CVE-2021-25006

This CVE affects the MOLIE WordPress plugin, specifically version 0.5 and below, allowing for Reflected Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-25006?

The MOLIE WordPress plugin version 0.5 and below is susceptible to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This arises from inadequate sanitization of the course_id parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2021-25006

Exploitation of this vulnerability could enable an attacker to inject and execute malicious scripts in a victim's browser, potentially leading to account compromise or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-25006

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue occurs because the MOLIE WordPress plugin fails to properly sanitize the course_id parameter before displaying it in the admin dashboard, allowing for XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the MOLIE WordPress plugin version 0.5 and below.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious link containing the vulnerable parameter, an attacker can trick a user into clicking it, leading to the execution of malicious scripts in the user's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your systems from CVE-2021-25006, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the MOLIE WordPress plugin to a non-vulnerable version.
Consider implementing a web application firewall (WAF) to filter out malicious traffic.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly scan and audit your WordPress plugins for vulnerabilities.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on unverified links.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security updates released by the plugin developer and apply them promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.