CVE-2021-24842 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides an overview of CVE-2021-24842, a vulnerability in the Bulk Datetime Change WordPress plugin before version 1.12 that allows users with Contributor roles to perform unauthorized actions.

Understanding CVE-2021-24842

CVE-2021-24842 is a security vulnerability in the Bulk Datetime Change WordPress plugin version 1.12 and below, allowing users with Contributor roles to list private post titles of other users and change the posted date of other users' posts.

What is CVE-2021-24842?

The Bulk Datetime Change WordPress plugin before version 1.12 fails to enforce capability checks, enabling users with Contributor roles to access and modify sensitive information of other users.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24842

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows unauthorized users to view private post titles and tamper with post dates, potentially leading to data breaches and content manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24842

The technical details of CVE-2021-24842 include:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the plugin's lack of proper capability checks, enabling users with limited permissions to carry out actions beyond their authorized scope.

Affected Systems and Versions

Bulk Datetime Change plugin versions prior to 1.12 are affected by this vulnerability, exposing WordPress websites to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with Contributor roles can exploit this vulnerability to access private post titles and modify post dates without the necessary authorization.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24842, follow these best practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Bulk Datetime Change plugin to version 1.12 or newer.
Restrict the Contributor role's capabilities to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit user roles and permissions to ensure proper access controls.
Stay informed about plugin updates and security patches.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly and monitor official sources for vulnerability disclosures and fixes to protect your WordPress site.