CVE-2021-24393 : Security Advisory and Response

This article discusses CVE-2021-24393, a vulnerability found in the Comment Highlighter WordPress plugin version 0.13 and earlier. It explains the impact of the vulnerability, technical details, and provides mitigation and prevention measures.

Understanding CVE-2021-24393

This section provides insights into the SQL injection vulnerability identified in the Comment Highlighter plugin.

What is CVE-2021-24393?

The CVE-2021-24393 vulnerability in Comment Highlighter WordPress plugin version 0.13 and earlier allows attackers to perform SQL injection attacks through unsanitized user inputs.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24393

The vulnerability could enable malicious actors to manipulate the SQL database of affected WordPress sites, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or performing destructive actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24393

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2021-24393 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

A 'c' GET parameter in the Comment Highlighter plugin is not properly sanitized, escaped, or validated before being inserted into SQL statements, opening the door for SQL injection attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the Comment Highlighter plugin up to and including 0.13.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by inserting malicious SQL queries into the 'c' parameter, thereby executing unauthorized SQL commands on the database.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24393 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Comment Highlighter plugin to a secure version (greater than 0.13) or implement security patches provided by the plugin vendor.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and sanitization mechanisms in WordPress plugins to prevent SQL injection attacks. Regular security audits and monitoring are recommended to detect and mitigate such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for all installed WordPress plugins. Promptly apply patches and updates to ensure that known vulnerabilities, like CVE-2021-24393, are mitigated.