CVE-2021-24226 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

AccessAlly < 3.5.7 - $_SERVER Superglobal Leakage

Understanding CVE-2021-24226

This vulnerability exists in the AccessAlly WordPress plugin before version 3.5.7, where sensitive information is exposed due to improper handling of the $_SERVER superglobal variable.

What is CVE-2021-24226?

A security flaw in AccessAlly plugin before 3.5.7 leads to the exposure of environment variables through the [accessally_order_form] shortcode, impacting public-facing pages.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24226

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information contained in the $_SERVER variable, compromising the security and privacy of users.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24226

In-depth technical aspects of the vulnerability include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exposes environment variables via the [accessally_order_form] shortcode in the plugin, without requiring any specific user role for exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

AccessAlly versions before 3.5.7 are affected by this security issue, particularly versions 3.5.6 and custom versions 3.5.6*.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can target public pages with the [accessally_order_form] shortcode to obtain sensitive system information stored in the $_SERVER variable.

Mitigation and Prevention

Proactive measures to address CVE-2021-24226:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update AccessAlly to version 3.5.7 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability and avoid exposure of sensitive information.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor plugin updates and security advisories to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future, ensuring a secure WordPress environment.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and fixes provided by the plugin vendor promptly to maintain the security of your WordPress installation.