CVE-2021-24490 : What You Need to Know

Email Artillery (MASS EMAIL) WordPress plugin version 4.1 and below are vulnerable to an arbitrary file upload issue, allowing malicious users to upload and execute files without proper validation. This vulnerability also lacks CSRF protection, further exposing websites to potential attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24490

This CVE relates to a security issue in the Email Artillery (MASS EMAIL) WordPress plugin version 4.1 and earlier, posing risks to websites utilizing this plugin.

What is CVE-2021-24490?

The CVE-2021-24490 vulnerability in the Email Artillery (MASS EMAIL) WordPress plugin version 4.1 and below enables attackers to upload arbitrary files via the Import Emails feature without proper validation, potentially leading to unauthorized access and code execution on the affected server.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24490

Due to the lack of file upload validation and CSRF protection in the Email Artillery (MASS EMAIL) plugin version 4.1 and earlier, malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability to upload harmful files and execute arbitrary code on vulnerable websites. Although the presence of .htaccess restrictions limits file access, it remains a serious security concern for servers using Nginx/IIS.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24490

This section provides detailed insights into the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the plugin's failure to adequately validate uploaded files, enabling threat actors to upload malicious files via the Import Emails feature. Additionally, the absence of CSRF protection allows attackers to exploit this issue using CSRF attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Email Artillery (MASS EMAIL) WordPress plugin versions up to and including 4.1 are impacted by this vulnerability, putting websites leveraging these versions at risk of arbitrary file uploads and potential code execution.

Exploitation Mechanism

By bypassing file validation checks and leveraging the missing CSRF protection, attackers can upload malicious files through the Import Emails feature, granting them unauthorized access to the system and the ability to execute arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your system from CVE-2021-24490 requires immediate action and long-term security measures to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update: Ensure the Email Artillery (MASS EMAIL) plugin is updated to the latest secure version to mitigate the vulnerability.
File Validation: Implement stringent file upload validation to prevent the upload of unauthorized or potentially harmful files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor your website for any unusual activities, file uploads, or unauthorized changes.
Access Controls: Restrict access permissions and user privileges to minimize the impact of potential security breaches.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for the Email Artillery (MASS EMAIL) plugin to address known vulnerabilities promptly and enhance the overall security posture of your website.