Learn about CVE-2021-25050, a critical XSS vulnerability in the Remove Footer Credit WordPress plugin before 1.0.11, allowing high privilege users to execute malicious scripts.
The Remove Footer Credit WordPress plugin before version 1.0.11 is vulnerable to a high-risk stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue. This vulnerability could allow high privilege users to execute malicious code, posing a significant security risk.
Understanding CVE-2021-25050
This section will delve into the details of CVE-2021-25050, shedding light on the impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2021-25050?
The Remove Footer Credit WordPress plugin version 1.0.11 and below fails to properly sanitize its settings. This flaw enables attackers with high privileges to launch XSS attacks, even if unfiltered_html is restricted.
The Impact of CVE-2021-25050
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized execution of malicious scripts by attackers, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the affected WordPress websites.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-25050
In this section, we will explore the technical specifics of CVE-2021-25050 to understand the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation methods.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from the plugin's inadequate sanitization of user inputs, allowing threat actors to inject malicious scripts into the application, leading to XSS attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability impacts the Remove Footer Credit WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.0.11, leaving websites using these versions susceptible to XSS exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with elevated privileges can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts through the plugin's settings, potentially compromising the security of affected WordPress instances.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section focuses on the steps users can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-25050 and prevent potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Website administrators are advised to update the Remove Footer Credit plugin to version 1.0.11 or newer to patch the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, restricting user privileges and monitoring for suspicious activities can help prevent unauthorized script execution.
Long-Term Security Practices
Incorporating secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and staying vigilant for plugin updates and security advisories are essential for maintaining robust website security.
Patching and Updates
Regularly updating plugins, themes, and WordPress core to their latest versions is crucial for addressing known security vulnerabilities and enhancing the overall security posture of WordPress sites.