CVE-2021-20866 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Advanced Custom Fields versions prior to 5.11 and Advanced Custom Fields Pro versions prior to 5.11 contain a missing authorization vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to user information.

Understanding CVE-2021-20866

This CVE pertains to a missing authorization vulnerability in Advanced Custom Fields and Advanced Custom Fields Pro versions prior to 5.11, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2021-20866?

CVE-2021-20866 highlights a security flaw in the affected versions that enables users to access unauthorized information via unspecified vectors.

The Impact of CVE-2021-20866

The vulnerability may be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to user lists, compromising sensitive information stored within the plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-20866

This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability's description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The missing authorization vulnerability in Advanced Custom Fields and Advanced Custom Fields Pro versions prior to 5.11 allows users to obtain unauthorized information through undisclosed methods.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects all versions before 5.11 of both Advanced Custom Fields and Advanced Custom Fields Pro plugins, leaving them susceptible to unauthorized access.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can access user lists and sensitive information through unknown means without proper authorization.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here you will find information on immediate steps to secure your systems and prevent similar security incidents in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Advanced Custom Fields and Advanced Custom Fields Pro to version 5.11 or later to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust authentication and authorization mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and regularly monitor for any suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the plugin developers and apply them promptly to ensure your systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.