CVE-2021-24655 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been identified in the WP User Manager WordPress plugin before version 2.6.3, allowing authenticated users to reset the password of any user with only their ID, potentially leading to account compromise.

Understanding CVE-2021-24655

This CVE involves an arbitrary user password reset issue in the WP User Manager plugin.

What is CVE-2021-24655?

The WP User Manager plugin before version 2.6.3 fails to verify if the user ID used to reset the password is associated with the correct reset key. This oversight allows any authenticated user to reset the password of any user by knowing only their ID, leading to unauthorized access to user accounts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24655

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to reset passwords of any user on the affected WordPress site, potentially resulting in unauthorized access and account compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24655

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in WP User Manager plugin allows authenticated users to reset any user's password by simply knowing their user ID, without proper validation of the reset key.

Affected Systems and Versions

WP User Manager versions prior to 2.6.3 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with authenticated access can exploit this vulnerability by inputting a target user's ID to reset their password, granting unauthorized access to the user's account.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24655.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their WP User Manager plugin to version 2.6.3 or higher to mitigate this vulnerability. Additionally, users are advised to reset their passwords regularly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust authentication measures, limit user privileges, and monitor user activities to enhance security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for plugin updates and apply patches promptly to safeguard against potential security vulnerabilities.