CVE-2021-24354 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A lack of capability checks and insufficient nonce check on the AJAX action in the Simple 301 Redirects by BetterLinks WordPress plugin before 2.0.4, made it possible for authenticated users to install arbitrary plugins on vulnerable sites.

Understanding CVE-2021-24354

This CVE is associated with a severe vulnerability in the Simple 301 Redirects by BetterLinks WordPress plugin, allowing authenticated users to install arbitrary plugins on affected sites.

What is CVE-2021-24354?

The CVE-2021-24354 vulnerability arises from a lack of capability checks and insufficient nonce check on the AJAX action, which could lead to the unauthorized installation of plugins by authenticated users on vulnerable websites.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24354

The impact of CVE-2021-24354 is severe as it enables attackers to exploit the vulnerability to execute arbitrary plugin installations on compromised WordPress sites, potentially leading to further security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24354

The technical details of CVE-2021-24354 include the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the lack of proper capability checks and nonce validation on the AJAX action in versions of the Simple 301 Redirects by BetterLinks plugin prior to 2.0.4.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected versions of the plugin range from 2.0.0 to 2.0.3, where authenticated users can leverage the flaw to install arbitrary plugins.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, authenticated users can perform unauthorized plugin installations on vulnerable WordPress sites, posing a significant security risk.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24354, immediate steps should be taken to mitigate the risks and prevent potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Simple 301 Redirects by BetterLinks plugin to version 2.0.4 or higher to eliminate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor the security of WordPress plugins and apply patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins.
Educate users about safe plugin installation practices to prevent unauthorized actions.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security updates and patches released by the plugin developers to ensure ongoing protection against vulnerabilities.