CVE-2021-24166 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A CSRF vulnerability was identified in the Ninja Forms Contact Form WordPress plugin before version 3.4.34, allowing attackers to disconnect a site's OAuth connection without proper nonce protection.

Understanding CVE-2021-24166

This CVE highlights a security flaw in the Ninja Forms Contact Form plugin that can be exploited by attackers for malicious activities.

What is CVE-2021-24166?

The vulnerability in the Ninja Forms Contact Form plugin allowed attackers to manipulate the OAuth connection of a website due to the absence of nonce protection.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24166

This vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors to disconnect the OAuth service, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24166

The following details shed light on the technical aspects of this security flaw.

Vulnerability Description

The wp_ajax_nf_oauth_disconnect endpoint in the plugin lacked nonce protection, enabling attackers to create a crafted request for unauthorized disconnection of the OAuth service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Ninja Forms Contact Form plugin versions prior to 3.4.34 are impacted by this vulnerability, leaving websites using these versions at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging CSRF techniques, malicious actors could send unauthorized requests to disconnect a site's OAuth connection, potentially compromising its security.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure your system against CVE-2021-24166, consider implementing the following measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Ninja Forms Contact Form plugin to version 3.4.34 or higher to mitigate the CSRF vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for any unauthorized actions related to OAuth services on your website.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Educate your team about CSRF attacks and other common web security threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by plugin developers and apply updates promptly to safeguard your website against known vulnerabilities.