CVE-2021-24694 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the Simple Download Monitor WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 3.9.11. This vulnerability allows users with a role as low as Contributor to perform a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack. The attack can be executed through the "color" or "css_class" argument of the sdm_download shortcode, as well as through the "class" or "placeholder" argument of the sdm_search_form shortcode.
With a CVSS score of 5.4, the vulnerability is classified as medium severity. Organizations utilizing the affected plugin should be aware that exploitation could compromise the integrity and confidentiality of their sites. The potential for attackers to inject malicious scripts through these inputs highlights the necessity for prompt remediation.
Currently, there is no public exploit confirmed for this vulnerability, and it is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, the nature of XSS vulnerabilities necessitates that organizations address this issue diligently.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. Failure to do so could lead to unauthorized script execution, potentially resulting in data theft or defacement of the website.
Vulnerability Details
The Simple Download Monitor plugin is designed for WordPress users to manage downloadable files. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of user input, allowing attackers to inject scripts via shortcodes. The CVSS version 3.1 vector string for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N.
The plugin's affected versions include all versions prior to 3.9.11. The vulnerability is classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) as CWE-79, which pertains to improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-24694 stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user input. The attack vector is network-based, requiring low complexity to exploit, as only a low privilege user (Contributor) can initiate the attack. User interaction is necessary, as the crafted input must be rendered in a way that the script executes in the browser of another user.
The confidentiality and integrity impacts are both rated as low, indicating that while data leakage or corruption could occur, it is not guaranteed. There is no availability impact associated with this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes the potential for attackers to execute malicious scripts on the web pages viewed by other users. This could lead to data theft, session hijacking, or the spread of malware. Given the nature of the vulnerability, the blast radius could extend to all users interacting with the compromised plugin.
Urgency for remediation is classified as medium, reflecting the vulnerability's potential impact and the necessity for timely patching. Organizations should schedule remediation as part of their patch management cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Simple Download Monitor plugin are all versions prior to 3.9.11. Organizations running these versions should upgrade to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the following mitigations:
1. Upgrade to Simple Download Monitor version 3.9.11 or later.
2. Implement input validation and sanitization for user input across all plugins.
3. Consider conducting a comprehensive security assessment to identify other potential vulnerabilities.
For ongoing security assurance, organizations may consider leveraging penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for:
1. Unusual user input in the parameters of shortcodes.
2. Logs indicating JavaScript execution in areas where user input is rendered.
3. Behavioral anomalies among users, especially in those with lower privilege levels.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-24694 highlights the ongoing risks associated with web application vulnerabilities, particularly those that allow for stored XSS. This vulnerability serves as a reminder for organizations to regularly assess their applications for such weaknesses.
Security teams should ensure that all user inputs are validated, regardless of the user's role. The presence of a low severity score does not diminish the potential impact on user trust and data integrity.
For comprehensive security practices, organizations may refer to best practices in penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management programs to strengthen their defenses.
Finally, organizations should also consider engaging in API security testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their systems.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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