CVE-2021-24146 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Modern Events Calendar Lite plugin before version 5.16.5 for WordPress lacks proper authorization checks, allowing unauthenticated users to export all events data. The vulnerability, categorized under CWE-284, can lead to unauthorized access.

Understanding CVE-2021-24146

This CVE concerns a security issue in the Modern Events Calendar Lite WordPress plugin that enables unauthenticated users to export event data without proper authorization checks.

What is CVE-2021-24146?

The CVE-2021-24146 vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and affects the Modern Events Calendar Lite WordPress plugin versions prior to 5.16.5. It allows unauthorized users to export all event data in CSV or XML format.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24146

The impact of CVE-2021-24146 is significant as it enables unauthenticated users to access and export sensitive event data, potentially leading to data exposure and privacy breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24146

The technical details of CVE-2021-24146 include a lack of proper authorization checks, affecting Modern Events Calendar Lite WordPress plugin versions before 5.16.5.

Vulnerability Description

The lack of authorization controls in the plugin allows unauthenticated users to export all events data, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of event information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Modern Events Calendar Lite plugin versions prior to 5.16.5 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing them to the risk of unauthorized data exports.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation of CVE-2021-24146 involves unauthenticated users leveraging the lack of authorization checks to export event data in CSV or XML format.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24146, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Modern Events Calendar Lite plugin to version 5.16.5 or above to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs and user activities for any suspicious behavior related to unauthorized data exports.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and software to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Implement proper authentication and authorization mechanisms to control access to sensitive functionalities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the plugin vendor to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-24146.