CVE-2021-24436

Name: CVE-2021-24436
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-07-19T11:15:08.403+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 6.1/10EPSS 1.91%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-24436 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 6.1/10 on the CVSS scale. The W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin before 2.1.4 was vulnerable to a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) security vulnerability within the "extension" parameter in the Extensions dashboard, which is output in an attribute without being escaped first. This could allow an attacker, who can convince an authenticated admin into clicking a link, to run malicious JavaScript within the user's web browser, which could lead to full site compromise.. EPSS estimates a 1.91% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

The W3 Total Cache WordPress plugin before 2.1.4 was vulnerable to a reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) security vulnerability within the "extension" parameter in the Extensions dashboard, which is output in an attribute without being escaped first. This could allow an attacker, who can convince an authenticated admin into clicking a link, to run malicious JavaScript within the user's web browser, which could lead to full site compromise.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

6.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N

EPSS Probability

1.91%

77.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-79

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Boldgrid	W3 Total Cache	< 2.1.4

References

https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/05988ebb-7378-4a3a-9d2d-30f8f58fe9efExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/05988ebb-7378-4a3a-9d2d-30f8f58fe9efExploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jul 19, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-24436?

How severe is CVE-2021-24436?

CVE-2021-24436 has a CVSS score of 6.1/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.91% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-24436?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-24436?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST