CVE-2021-24348 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2021-24348, a vulnerability found in the Side Menu – add fixed side buttons WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2021-24348

CVE-2021-24348 is an SQL Injection vulnerability identified in the Side Menu – add fixed side buttons WordPress plugin before version 3.1.5. This vulnerability allows Administrator users to exploit the menu delete functionality using the 'did' GET parameter.

What is CVE-2021-24348?

The SQL Injection vulnerability in the Side Menu plugin occurs due to the use of unsanitized user input in SQL statements. This oversight enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL queries, potentially leading to data compromise or unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24348

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access, data loss, or manipulation of sensitive information on affected WordPress websites. Attackers with Administrator privileges can leverage this flaw to extract or modify database contents.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24348

The following details shed light on the technical aspects of CVE-2021-24348:

Vulnerability Description

The SQL Injection vulnerability in the Side Menu plugin arises from inadequate input validation, enabling SQL query manipulation through crafted requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of the Side Menu – add fixed side buttons plugin earlier than 3.1.5 are vulnerable to this exploit, allowing attackers with Administrator access to abuse the delete functionality.

Exploitation Mechanism

By injecting malicious SQL queries via the 'did' GET parameter, malicious users can manipulate database queries and potentially extract or modify sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your WordPress website from CVE-2021-24348 by taking the following actions:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Side Menu plugin to version 3.1.5 or newer to eliminate the SQL Injection vulnerability.
Monitor your website for any suspicious activities or unauthorized changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation and output sanitization techniques in your WordPress plugins to prevent SQL Injection attacks.
Regularly audit and review code for security best practices to mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for all WordPress plugins used on your site. Promptly apply patches to ensure your plugins are protected from known vulnerabilities.