CVE-2021-24139 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A SQL injection vulnerability was discovered in the Photo Gallery WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.5.55. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious SQL queries through the frontend, posing a severe security risk to affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2021-24139

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the SQL injection vulnerability in the Photo Gallery plugin.

What is CVE-2021-24139?

CVE-2021-24139 refers to the unauthenticated SQL injection vulnerability present in versions of the Photo Gallery WordPress plugin earlier than 1.5.55. The flaw exists in the bwg_search_x parameter of the frontend/models/model.php file.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24139

The SQL injection issue can be exploited by malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL queries, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or other malicious activities on the affected WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24139

Delve into the technical aspects of the vulnerability to better understand its implications and potential risks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from unvalidated user input in the plugin, allowing attackers to manipulate SQL queries and interact with the WordPress site's underlying database.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running Photo Gallery by 10Web plugin versions prior to 1.5.55 are vulnerable to this unauthenticated SQL injection exploit.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by sending specially crafted HTTP requests with malicious SQL payloads to the vulnerable bwg_search_x parameter.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about the steps and best practices to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-24139 and secure WordPress sites from such vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators are advised to update the Photo Gallery plugin to version 1.5.55 or newer to eliminate the SQL injection vulnerability from their WordPress installations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating input validation, security hardening measures, and regular security audits can help prevent SQL injection and other common web application vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates and applying patches promptly is crucial to safeguarding WordPress sites against emerging threats and known vulnerabilities.