CVE-2021-24819 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The Page/Post Content Shortcode WordPress plugin version 1.0 and below lacks proper authorization, enabling users with roles as low as contributors to access restricted posts/pages, including those created by admins and editors.

Understanding CVE-2021-24819

This vulnerability in the Page/Post Content Shortcode plugin allows unauthorized users to view draft, private, password-protected, or trashed posts/pages, breaching confidentiality and privacy controls.

What is CVE-2021-24819?

The CVE-2021-24819 vulnerability arises from the inadequate authorization checks in the Page/Post Content Shortcode WordPress plugin, permitting unauthorized access to sensitive content.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24819

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of private information, impacting user privacy, data integrity, and potentially enabling malicious actors to manipulate content.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24819

This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows users with low-level roles to access posts/pages they should not be able to view, compromising data confidentiality and privacy.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Page/Post Content Shortcode WordPress plugin version 1.0 and below are affected by this vulnerability, putting sites at risk of unauthorized data access.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of proper authorization checks, attackers with contributor-level roles can bypass restrictions and view restricted posts/pages.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2021-24819, immediate steps need to be taken, alongside adopting long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators should restrict plugin access, review user roles, and closely monitor content access to prevent unauthorized viewing of sensitive posts/pages.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits, educate users on proper access controls, and ensure timely updates and patches to mitigate potential security risks.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to stay updated with the latest plugin releases, apply security patches promptly, and maintain awareness of security best practices to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.