CVE-2021-24823 : Security Advisory and Response

The Support Board WordPress plugin before version 3.3.6 is affected by a vulnerability that allows attackers to perform arbitrary file deletion via Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24823

This CVE describes a security flaw in the Support Board plugin that could be exploited by malicious actors to make logged-in users, including admins, unknowingly delete arbitrary files.

What is CVE-2021-24823?

The Support Board WordPress plugin prior to version 3.3.6 lacks CSRF checks in actions handled by the include/ajax.php file. This oversight enables attackers to manipulate logged-in users into executing unwanted actions, like deleting files.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24823

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to leverage CSRF attacks to trick authenticated users into performing malicious actions, potentially leading to data loss or unauthorized file deletions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24823

Below are the technical details of the CVE-2021-24823 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the absence of CSRF protections in the include/ajax.php file of the Support Board plugin, giving attackers the ability to force authenticated users to carry out unintended file deletion tasks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Support Board plugin versions below 3.3.6 are vulnerable to this exploit, exposing websites that run on these versions to the risk of arbitrary file deletion through CSRF attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-24823 involves crafting CSRF attacks to trick authenticated users into unintentionally deleting files in the Support Board plugin without their knowledge.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your WordPress website against CVE-2021-24823 and similar vulnerabilities, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Support Board plugin to version 3.3.6 or newer to patch the CSRF vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for any unauthorized file deletions on your website.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust CSRF protections across your WordPress plugins and applications.
Educate users on recognizing and avoiding CSRF attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released for the Support Board plugin to promptly address any new vulnerabilities and enhance the security of your WordPress site.