Description Preview
The Asset CleanUp: Page Speed Booster WordPress plugin, developed by Gabe Livan, contains a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability in versions 1.3.8.4 and earlier. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with administrative privileges to inject and execute malicious JavaScript code in the browser of other users viewing the affected pages. The vulnerability could potentially lead to account takeover, cookie theft, or other malicious actions performed in the context of the victim's browser session.
Overview
The Asset CleanUp: Page Speed Booster plugin is designed to improve WordPress website performance by optimizing asset loading. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output encoding of user-supplied data that is reflected back in the plugin's administrative interface. An attacker with administrative access can craft a malicious payload that, when executed in another user's browser, could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or other client-side attacks. This vulnerability requires authentication with administrative privileges, which limits the attack surface but still poses a significant risk to site administrators.
Remediation
- Update the Asset CleanUp: Page Speed Booster plugin to version higher than 1.3.8.4 immediately.
- If immediate updating is not possible, consider temporarily disabling the plugin until an update can be applied.
- Implement the principle of least privilege by limiting administrative access to only necessary users.
- Consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to mitigate the impact of XSS vulnerabilities.
- Regularly review and audit plugins for security updates, especially those with access to administrative interfaces.
- Monitor for suspicious activities in admin logs that might indicate exploitation attempts.
References
- https://patchstack.com/database/vulnerability/wp-asset-clean-up/wordpress-asset-cleanup-page-speed-booster-plugin-1-3-8-4-authenticated-reflected-cross-site-scripting-xss-vulnerability
- https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-asset-clean-up/#developers
- CVE-2021-36899 Details: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-36899
- WordPress Plugin Directory: https://wordpress.org/plugins/wp-asset-clean-up/
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis 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.
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.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
