CVE-2021-24546 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the details of CVE-2021-24546 affecting Gutenberg Block Editor Toolkit < 1.31.6 plugin, allowing low-level contributors to run PHP code. Learn how to prevent and mitigate this security risk.
The Gutenberg Block Editor Toolkit – EditorsKit WordPress plugin before version 1.31.6 is vulnerable to Arbitrary PHP code execution due to improper validation of Custom Visibility settings. This CVE affects users with contributor-level access.
Understanding CVE-2021-24546
This CVE involves a security flaw in the Gutenberg Block Editor Toolkit – EditorsKit plugin that allows users with low contributor roles to execute Arbitrary PHP code.
What is CVE-2021-24546?
The vulnerability in the Gutenberg Block Editor Toolkit – EditorsKit WordPress plugin before version 1.31.6 enables users with limited access as contributors to execute arbitrary PHP code, posing a significant security risk.
The Impact of CVE-2021-24546
The impact of this CVE lies in the ability of low-level contributors to bypass security restrictions and execute malicious PHP code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data leaks, or site defacement.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24546
This section dives into specific technical details of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and validate the Conditional Logic of the Custom Visibility settings, allowing contributors to inject arbitrary PHP code.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Gutenberg Block Editor Toolkit – EditorsKit plugin versions prior to 1.31.6.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with contributor-level access can exploit this vulnerability by crafting specially-crafted Conditional Logic in Custom Visibility settings to execute arbitrary PHP code.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2021-24546, certain steps can be taken to mitigate the risk and prevent exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Website administrators are advised to update the Gutenberg Block Editor Toolkit – EditorsKit plugin to version 1.31.6 or newer to prevent the execution of arbitrary PHP code by low-level contributors.
Long-Term Security Practices
It is essential to follow secure coding practices and regularly monitor plugin updates and security advisories to protect WordPress sites from potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-24546.
Patching and Updates
Developers should promptly apply patches, updates, and security fixes released by plugin developers to ensure that WordPress plugins are free from known vulnerabilities.