CVE-2021-24195 : What You Need to Know
Explore the details of CVE-2021-24195, a vulnerability in the 'Login as User or Customer' plugin allowing arbitrary plugin installation and activation by low privileged users.
A detailed analysis of CVE-2021-24195 focusing on the vulnerability in the 'Login as User or Customer (User Switching)' WordPress plugin.
Understanding CVE-2021-24195
This CVE highlights an arbitrary plugin installation/activation vulnerability in the 'Login as User or Customer' plugin version 1.8 and below.
What is CVE-2021-24195?
Low privileged users can exploit a vulnerability in the plugin to install any plugin from the WordPress repository and activate arbitrary plugins, potentially leading to severe vulnerabilities like Remote Code Execution (RCE).
The Impact of CVE-2021-24195
The vulnerability allows attackers to install vulnerable plugins on a WordPress site, increasing the risk of compromise and unauthorized access.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24195
This section provides a deeper dive into the specifics of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw in the 'Login as User or Customer' plugin enables low privileged users to misuse an AJAX action, allowing them to install and activate plugins with elevated privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects versions of the plugin up to 1.8, exposing WordPress sites to exploitation by malicious actors.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers exploit the 'cp_plugins_do_button_job_later_callback' AJAX action to carry out unauthorized plugin installations and activations, compromising site security.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2021-24195 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
Website administrators should update the 'Login as User or Customer' plugin to version 1.9 or above to mitigate the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing least privilege principles, regular security audits, and monitoring can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress sites.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying security patches and updates for all WordPress plugins and themes is crucial to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.