CVE-2021-24396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-24396, a vulnerability in the GSEOR - WordPress SEO Plugin that could lead to SQL Injection attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24396

This section delves into what the vulnerability entails, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-24396?

The CVE-2021-24396 vulnerability affects the GSEOR - WordPress SEO Plugin version 1.3. It occurs due to unsanitized input handling in the pageid GET parameter, allowing attackers to execute SQL injection attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24396

The impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables authenticated attackers to inject malicious SQL queries, potentially leading to data exfiltration, data manipulation, or unauthorized access to the WordPress site's database.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24396

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from the lack of sanitization and validation of user-controlled input, specifically the pageid GET parameter, before its insertion into SQL queries.

Affected Systems and Versions

The GSEOR - WordPress SEO Plugin versions up to and including 1.3 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with authenticated access can exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious SQL queries through the vulnerable pageid parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the WordPress site's database.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24396, users are advised to take immediate action and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the GSEOR - WordPress SEO Plugin to a patched version and monitor their systems for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms, conduct regular security audits, and stay informed about security best practices to protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories, apply security patches promptly, and follow best practices for securing WordPress plugins and themes.