CVE-2021-24688 : Security Advisory and Response

Orange Form WordPress plugin version 1.0.1 and below is vulnerable to unauthenticated arbitrary post deletion due to lack of authorization and CSRF checks in its AJAX calls.

Understanding CVE-2021-24688

This vulnerability allows attackers, both authenticated and unauthenticated, to delete arbitrary posts without proper authorization checks, posing a risk to website integrity and data security.

What is CVE-2021-24688?

The Orange Form WordPress plugin up to version 1.0.1 fails to implement authorization and CSRF validation in its AJAX calls. Particularly, the 'or_delete_filed' AJAX call, accessible to all users, enables the deletion of any post without proper validation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24688

The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to delete posts without permission, leading to data loss, content manipulation, and potentially jeopardizing the website's functionality and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24688

The following technical details outline the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The absence of authorization and CSRF checks in AJAX calls, such as 'or_delete_filed,' allows attackers to delete arbitrary posts without proper validation, putting website data at risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Orange Form plugin versions 1.0.1 and below are affected by this vulnerability, leaving websites using these versions exposed to the risk of unauthenticated post deletion.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending malicious requests through AJAX calls, enabling them to delete posts without proper authentication, potentially causing significant damage to website content.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2021-24688, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable Orange Form plugin if not crucial for website operations.
Update the plugin to a patched version that addresses the CSRF and authorization issues.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and update plugins promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement strict access control mechanisms and verify user permissions before allowing sensitive actions like post deletion.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the Orange Form plugin is kept up to date with the latest security patches to prevent unauthorized post deletions and maintain website security.