CVE-2021-24703 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed overview of the CVE-2021-24703 vulnerability affecting the Download Plugin WordPress plugin before version 1.6.1, allowing arbitrary plugin activation by authenticated users.

Understanding CVE-2021-24703

This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-24703.

What is CVE-2021-24703?

The Download Plugin WordPress plugin before 1.6.1 lacks capability and CSRF checks in the dpwap_plugin_activate AJAX action, enabling authenticated users like subscribers to activate existing plugins.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24703

The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to activate plugins that are already installed, potentially leading to unauthorized access or execution of malicious code.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24703

This section explores the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2021-24703 arises from the absence of capability and CSRF checks in the dpwap_plugin_activate AJAX action within the Download Plugin WordPress plugin version 1.6.1 and earlier.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Download Plugin version less than 1.6.1, exposing WordPress sites to the risk of arbitrary plugin activation by authenticated users.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of proper checks, authenticated users, including subscribers, can maliciously activate plugins that are already installed, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this segment, we discuss immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators should update the Download Plugin to version 1.6.1 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, consider limiting plugin activation permissions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing principle of least privilege, conducting regular security audits, and monitoring plugin activations can enhance overall WordPress security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for plugin updates and apply patches promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.