CVE-2021-24459 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2021-24459, a vulnerability in Survey Maker WordPress plugin < 1.5.6 allowing SQL injection. Find out impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
Survey Maker < 1.5.6 - Authenticated Blind SQL Injections
Understanding CVE-2021-24459
This CVE identifies authenticated blind SQL injection vulnerabilities in the Survey Maker WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.5.6.
What is CVE-2021-24459?
The issue lies in the get_results() and get_items() functions of the plugin, which fail to validate the orderby parameter properly. This allows attackers to execute SQL injection attacks within the admin dashboard.
The Impact of CVE-2021-24459
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to the plugin's database, manipulation of data, and potentially full control over the affected WordPress site.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24459
The following details provide more insight into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-24459:
Vulnerability Description
The absence of proper validation of the orderby parameter in SQL statements executed by the get_results() DB calls results in SQL injection vulnerabilities.
Affected Systems and Versions
Survey Maker WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.5.6 are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with authenticated access can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious SQL queries through the orderby parameter.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard your WordPress environment against CVE-2021-24459, consider the following measures:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the Survey Maker plugin to version 1.5.6 or later to eliminate the SQL injection flaw.
- Monitor the official plugin repository for security patches and updates.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement strict input validation and parameterized queries in WordPress plugins to prevent SQL injection attacks.
- Regularly audit and review the codebase of plugins for security vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Stay proactive in applying security updates and patches released by plugin developers to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of your WordPress site.