CVE-2021-24219 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A security vulnerability has been identified in several Thrive Themes and plugins that could allow attackers to update options without authentication, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data manipulation.

Understanding CVE-2021-24219

This CVE affects various Thrive Themes and their associated WordPress plugins, enabling unauthenticated users to manipulate data via a vulnerable REST API endpoint.

What is CVE-2021-24219?

The vulnerability in Thrive Themes and plugins allows unauthorized access to a REST API endpoint used with Zapier functionality, enabling attackers to tamper with data without proper authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24219

By exploiting this vulnerability, threat actors could inject arbitrary data into specified options within the wp_options table, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the affected WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24219

This CVE affects a range of Thrive Themes and plugins versions, including Thrive Optimize, Thrive Comments, Thrive Leads, Thrive Ultimatum, and more.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from inadequate access control mechanisms in the REST API endpoint, enabling unauthenticated users to update options by providing an empty api_key parameter.

Affected Systems and Versions

Various Thrive Themes and plugins versions are affected, such as Thrive Visual Editor before 2.6.7.4, Thrive Dashboard before 2.3.9.3, and Rise by Thrive Themes before 2.0.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can abuse the vulnerable REST API endpoint by submitting a request with a blank api_key parameter to gain unauthorized access and modify data within the wp_options table.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24219, users are advised to take immediate action and implement long-term security practices to secure their WordPress installations.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to update the affected Thrive Themes and plugins to the latest secure versions to mitigate the risk of unauthorized data manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust access control mechanisms, regularly monitor for suspicious activities, and restrict access to sensitive endpoints to enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Thrive Themes users should apply the relevant patches provided by the vendor to ensure the vulnerabilities are addressed effectively and prevent potential exploitation.