CVE-2021-24521 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A WordPress plugin named Side Menu Lite < 2.2.1 was found to have an Authenticated SQL Injection vulnerability due to improper sanitization of input values, allowing users with administrator roles to execute SQL Injection attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24521

This CVE refers to a security vulnerability present in the Side Menu Lite WordPress plugin version prior to 2.2.1, enabling authenticated users to perform SQL Injection attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24521?

The CVE-2021-24521 vulnerability arises from the plugin's failure to adequately sanitize input values, potentially leading to unauthorized SQL Injection exploits by users with specific permissions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24521

Exploitation of this vulnerability could permit attackers to manipulate the plugin's SQL statements, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the WordPress site's database.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24521

This section provides specific technical details related to the CVE-2021-24521 vulnerability in the Side Menu Lite WordPress plugin.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Side Menu Lite < 2.2.1 is characterized by the plugin's lack of input sanitization, enabling authenticated users to insert malicious SQL code into the database queries.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected version of the plugin is any version prior to 2.2.1. Websites using versions below this are at risk of exploitation through authenticated SQL Injection attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with administrative privileges or the capability to manage the plugin can exploit this vulnerability by crafting and submitting malicious input values containing SQL injection payloads.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard WordPress websites from the CVE-2021-24521 vulnerability, immediate steps should be taken along with the adoption of long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Side Menu Lite plugin to version 2.2.1 or higher to mitigate the SQL Injection risk. Furthermore, closely monitoring website activities for suspicious behavior is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict input validation and output encoding practices across web applications can significantly reduce the risk of SQL Injection vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and employee training are also vital for maintaining a secure online environment.

Patching and Updates

Staying updated with the latest security patches and versions of WordPress plugins is crucial for addressing known vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-24521 and enhancing overall website security.