CVE-2021-24491 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The Fileviewer WordPress plugin version 2.2 and below is vulnerable to an arbitrary file upload and deletion via Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack.

Understanding CVE-2021-24491

This CVE identifies a security issue in the Fileviewer WordPress plugin that allows attackers to upload and delete arbitrary files through CSRF attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24491?

The Fileviewer WordPress plugin versions 2.2 and below lack CSRF checks, enabling attackers to manipulate an authenticated admin account into uploading and deleting any file.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24491

The vulnerability poses a serious risk as it allows unauthorized users to perform malicious actions via CSRF attacks, potentially leading to data loss or website compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24491

The CVE-2021-24491 vulnerability arises from the Fileviewer WordPress plugin's failure to implement proper CSRF protections.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows attackers to trick an authenticated admin user into unintentionally uploading or deleting files due to the absence of CSRF safeguards.

Affected Systems and Versions

Fileviewer plugin versions up to 2.2 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating malicious CSRF requests that manipulate the Fileviewer plugin's functionalities.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24491, immediate actions and long-term security measures need to be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the Fileviewer plugin to version 2.3 or newer to mitigate the CSRF vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict CSRF protections, regularly update plugins, and conduct security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Developers should stay informed about security patches released by the plugin vendor and promptly apply them to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.