CVE-2021-24758 : Security Advisory and Response

The Email Log WordPress plugin before version 2.4.7 is affected by a SQL injection vulnerability due to improper validation of certain parameters, potentially leading to SQL injections when used in the admin dashboard.

Understanding CVE-2021-24758

This CVE involves a security flaw in the Email Log plugin that could be exploited by attackers to execute SQL injection attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24758?

The Email Log WordPress plugin version prior to 2.4.7 fails to adequately validate and escape the "orderby" and "order" GET parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries in the admin dashboard. This oversight opens the plugin to SQL injection risks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24758

The SQL injection vulnerability in Email Log before 2.4.7 allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries, potentially extracting sensitive information or even modifying data within the database.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24758

The technical specifics of CVE-2021-24758 include:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw stems from the lack of proper validation and sanitization of user-controlled input, specifically the "orderby" and "order" parameters used in SQL statements.

Affected Systems and Versions

Email Log versions earlier than 2.4.7 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users with affected versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending crafted requests containing malicious SQL code in the "orderby" and "order" parameters, threat actors can inject unauthorized SQL commands, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the database.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24758 and enhance security measures, consider the following:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Email Log to version 2.4.7 or later to mitigate the SQL injection risk.
Monitor for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation and proper parameter handling to prevent SQL injection attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates for Email Log to ensure ongoing protection against potential exploits.