CVE-2021-36845:Multiple Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in YITH Maintenance Mode WordPress plugin versions 1.3.8 and below.

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Description Preview

The YITH Maintenance Mode WordPress plugin versions 1.3.8 and below contain multiple authenticated stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities across 46 different parameters. These vulnerabilities were missed by the vendor when patching from version 1.3.7 to 1.3.8. The affected parameters are spread across multiple tabs in the plugin's admin interface, including General, Background, Logo, Newsletter, and Socials tabs. An authenticated attacker with access to the plugin settings could inject malicious JavaScript code that would execute when an administrator visits the affected pages, potentially leading to account takeover, data theft, or other malicious actions performed in the context of the administrator's session.

Overview

The YITH Maintenance Mode plugin allows WordPress site administrators to display a maintenance mode page while working on their website. The vulnerability exists because the plugin fails to properly sanitize and validate user input in 46 different parameters across its administrative interface. This allows attackers with administrator or editor privileges to store malicious JavaScript code that executes when other administrators access the affected pages.

The vulnerability is particularly concerning in the Newsletter tab, where the "yith_maintenance_newsletter_submit_label" parameter allows for auto-triggered XSS payloads that execute as soon as an administrator visits the page. Similar vulnerabilities exist in other tabs, affecting parameters related to styling, background settings, logo configuration, newsletter settings, and social media links.

Remediation

  1. Update the YITH Maintenance Mode plugin to version 1.3.9 or later, which contains fixes for these vulnerabilities.
  2. If updating is not immediately possible, consider temporarily disabling the YITH Maintenance Mode plugin until it can be updated.
  3. Implement the principle of least privilege by limiting the number of users who have administrative access to WordPress plugins.
  4. Consider implementing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) that can help protect against XSS attacks.
  5. Regularly audit your WordPress installation for outdated or vulnerable plugins.

References

  1. Vendor Advisory: https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/yith-maintenance-mode/wordpress-yith-maintenance-mode-plugin-1-3-8-multiple-authenticated-stored-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerabilities
  2. Plugin Page: https://wordpress.org/plugins/yith-maintenance-mode/#developers
  3. CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'): https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/79.html

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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