CVE-2021-24567:Authenticated Stored XSS vulnerability in Simple Post WordPress plugin through version 1.1

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Description Preview

The Simple Post WordPress plugin through version 1.1 contains a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. The plugin fails to properly sanitize and validate user input in text fields and does not escape this data when outputting to the browser. This allows authenticated users to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the browser of any user who views the affected content.

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2021-24567) affects the Simple Post WordPress plugin through version 1.1. The issue is classified as CWE-79 (Cross-Site Scripting), specifically an authenticated stored XSS vulnerability. The vulnerability occurs because the plugin does not properly sanitize user input in text fields and fails to escape this data when displaying it in the browser. An attacker with access to the WordPress dashboard can exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to cookie theft, session hijacking, or other client-side attacks.

Remediation

To remediate this vulnerability, website administrators should:

  1. Update the Simple Post WordPress plugin to the latest version if a patched version is available
  2. If no patch is available, consider disabling or removing the Simple Post plugin until a fix is released
  3. Implement a Web Application Firewall (WAF) that can help filter malicious XSS payloads
  4. Limit user access to the WordPress dashboard to only trusted users
  5. Regularly audit plugins for security updates and vulnerabilities

References

  1. WPScan Vulnerability Database: https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/a3cd3115-2181-4e14-8b39-4de096433847/
  2. Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-79): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/79.html
  3. MITRE CVE Entry: CVE-2021-24567

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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