CVE-2021-24340 : What You Need to Know

WordPress plugin WP Statistics before version 13.0.8 is impacted by an Unauthenticated SQL Injection vulnerability that allows any visitor, including unauthenticated users, to access admin-only pages. Read on to understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-24340

This section provides an overview of the vulnerability affecting WP Statistics plugin.

What is CVE-2021-24340?

The WP Statistics WordPress plugin before 13.0.8 relied on using the WordPress esc_sql() function on a field not delimited by quotes and did not first prepare the query. Additionally, the page, which should have been accessible to administrator only, was also available to any visitor, including unauthenticated ones.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24340

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute SQL injection attacks without authentication, potentially leading to data exposure, modification, or deletion.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24340

Explore the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and versions.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from how the esc_sql() function is used without preparing the query properly, making it susceptible to SQL injection attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

WP Statistics plugin versions below 13.0.8 are affected by this SQL injection vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted SQL queries through the affected plugin to perform unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to protect your WordPress site from this vulnerability and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WP Statistics plugin to version 13.0.8 or later.
Restrict access to admin pages to authenticated users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and themes to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for all WordPress plugins and themes to mitigate the risk of future exploits.