CVE-2021-24213 Scanner

GiveWP is a popular donation plugin for WordPress that allows non-profits and other organizations to accept donations through their websites. It is widely used by webmasters and developers to streamline the donation process and increase funding opportunities. The plugin is integrated within WordPress sites for seamless functionality and ease of use. Developers rely on it for its customizable features, which enable organizations to manage donations, donors, and fundraising campaigns effectively. As it is integrated with WordPress, it benefits from a vast ecosystem of add-ons and support. The plugin is continuously updated to provide enhanced security and features for its users.

The Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GiveWP versions <= 2.9.7 allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in authenticated admin browsers. This vulnerability specifically affects the 's' parameter in the admin Donors page. Successful exploitation could lead to malicious actions such as session hijacking, admin account takeover, and potentially the installation of unauthorized plugins. The vulnerability is a serious concern as it targets users with administrative access, thus compromising site integrity. Security patches and user education are imperative in mitigating such vulnerabilities. Updates must be applied promptly upon their release to protect sensitive data and maintain site security.

The technical details of this vulnerability involve the 's' parameter within the GiveWP Donors page. When exploited, the attacker can inject scripts that run with the user's permissions, potentially giving harmful access to website functions. The vulnerable parameter lies in the HTTP GET request for viewing donors, where unescaped input allows scripts to execute. This highlights the necessity of proper input validation and output encoding. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction, typically a simple page visit by an admin, thereby amplifying the risk factor. Website administrators must be aware of this entry point to secure their sites adequately.

The possible effects of exploiting this vulnerability include unauthorized actions executed under admin credentials, such as altering donation records or installing malicious plugins. Attackers could manipulate the website to redirect funds or compromise donor information. Additionally, successful exploitation might deface the website, diminishing its credibility and trustworthiness. In severe cases, it could lead to a full compromise of the WordPress site's admin panel, rendering all site functions at risk. Website operators must implement strict security policies, including regular security audits and vulnerability scanning, to prevent such outcomes.

REFERENCES

• https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-24213
• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/da4ab508-a423-4c7f-a1d4-42ec6f989309
• https://bentl.ee/posts/cve-givewp/