CVE-2021-25048 : Security Advisory and Response

The KingComposer WordPress plugin version 2.9.6 and below is vulnerable to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack, allowing authenticated users to create arbitrary profiles with malicious scripts embedded in them.

Understanding CVE-2021-25048

This CVE refers to a security vulnerability in the KingComposer WordPress plugin that enables authenticated users to create profiles with harmful Cross-Site Scripting payloads.

What is CVE-2021-25048?

The KingComposer WordPress plugin version 2.9.6 and earlier lacks proper authorization, Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection, and input sanitization when creating profiles. This flaw permits any authenticated user to craft profiles with XSS payloads.

The Impact of CVE-2021-25048

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to the execution of malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser, potentially compromising sensitive data or performing harmful actions on behalf of the user.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-25048

This section outlines specific technical details related to CVE-2021-25048.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper authorization, CSRF protection, and input sanitization in the profile creation functionality of the KingComposer plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of KingComposer up to and including 2.9.6 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this flaw by leveraging an authenticated user session to create profiles containing malicious XSS payloads.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your system from CVE-2021-25048 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the KingComposer plugin if not essential.
Update the plugin to a patched version provided by the vendor.
Monitor user activities for any suspicious profile creations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update WordPress plugins and themes to their latest versions.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing of your WordPress installation.
Educate users on best security practices to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that your KingComposer plugin is always up to date with the latest security patches and fixes.