CVE-2021-24726 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides details about CVE-2021-24726, an authenticated SQL injection vulnerability found in the WP Simple Booking Calendar WordPress plugin version 2.0.6 and below.

Understanding CVE-2021-24726

This section will cover the impact and technical details of the CVE-2021-24726 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-24726?

The CVE-2021-24726 vulnerability exists in the WP Simple Booking Calendar plugin before version 2.0.6. It stems from the plugin's failure to properly handle user input, specifically the 'orderby' parameter in its Search Calendars action, leading to an authenticated SQL injection flaw.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24726

The presence of this vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to execute malicious SQL queries, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the database. This exploitation can lead to data manipulation or unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24726

This section will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The WP Simple Booking Calendar plugin, specifically versions below 2.0.6, does not adequately sanitize the 'orderby' parameter provided during the Search Calendars action. This oversight enables attackers to inject SQL queries into the database, paving the way for unauthorized data retrieval or modification.

Affected Systems and Versions

WP Simple Booking Calendar plugin versions prior to 2.0.6 are vulnerable to this exploit. Users operating on these versions are at risk of falling victim to authenticated SQL injection attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the insecure handling of the 'orderby' parameter, malicious users with authenticated access can craft SQL injection payloads to interact with the underlying database, potentially causing data leakage or unauthorized modifications.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your system from CVE-2021-24726 is crucial to maintaining data security. Here are some steps to mitigate the risk and prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of the WP Simple Booking Calendar plugin (2.0.6 or higher) to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts on your system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review your plugins for known security issues.
Implement input validation and proper output encoding to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by the plugin vendor. Promptly apply patches to ensure your system is protected against known vulnerabilities.