CVE-2021-24138 : Security Advisory and Response

AdRotate < 5.8.4 - Authenticated SQL Injection vulnerability allows an admin user to exploit unvalidated inputs, potentially leading to unauthorized database access.

Understanding CVE-2021-24138

This CVE highlights a security flaw in the AdRotate WordPress plugin that could be exploited by an admin user to execute an SQL injection attack.

What is CVE-2021-24138?

The vulnerability in AdRotate versions prior to 5.8.4 allows an authenticated user to perform SQL injection via the 'id' parameter, potentially compromising sensitive data.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24138

An attacker with admin privileges can exploit this flaw to manipulate database queries, extract or modify data, and potentially take control of the WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24138

This section outlines the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The unvalidated input in AdRotate before 5.8.4 enables an authenticated SQL injection attack using the 'id' parameter, necessitating admin privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

AdRotate versions earlier than 5.8.4 are vulnerable to this exploit. Users with admin capabilities are at risk of misuse.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting malicious 'id' parameter values, an attacker can inject SQL commands into the database, potentially leading to data theft or corruption.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your system from CVE-2021-24138, adopt the following security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Promptly update AdRotate to version 5.8.4 or newer to mitigate the SQL injection risk. Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update plugins and themes. Enforce strong password policies and user role restrictions to limit access privileges.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for AdRotate and implement them promptly to address vulnerabilities and enhance system security.