CVE-2021-24858 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an in-depth analysis of CVE-2021-24858, a vulnerability found in the Cookie Notification Plugin for WordPress plugin before version 1.0.9. The vulnerability allows for an authenticated SQL Injection attack, posing a significant risk to websites utilizing the affected versions.

Understanding CVE-2021-24858

In this section, we will explore the details of the CVE-2021-24858 vulnerability, its impact, technical description, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-24858?

The Cookie Notification Plugin for WordPress plugin prior to version 1.0.9 fails to properly sanitize or escape the id GET parameter before incorporating it into an SQL statement. This oversight enables an attacker to execute SQL Injection attacks, particularly when accessing settings in the admin dashboard.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24858

The authenticated SQL Injection vulnerability in the plugin allows malicious actors to manipulate the SQL database, potentially extracting sensitive information or modifying data within the system. This can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, and other security compromises.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24858

Let's delve into the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2021-24858 vulnerability to better understand its implications and potential risks.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from the plugin's failure to adequately sanitize user-supplied input, specifically the id GET parameter, exposing the application to SQL Injection attacks during admin dashboard interactions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects versions of the Cookie Notification Plugin for WordPress plugin that are earlier than 1.0.9. Websites utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation if the necessary security patches are not applied.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious HTTP request containing a specially crafted id parameter, an authenticated attacker can inject SQL commands into the database, manipulating its behavior and potentially extracting or tampering with sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we will outline the immediate steps to take to secure your system and prevent exploitation, as well as long-term security practices to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Cookie Notification Plugin for WordPress to version 1.0.9 or later to mitigate the SQL Injection vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring system logs for any suspicious activities can help detect potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating developers on secure coding techniques can help prevent SQL Injection vulnerabilities in web applications. Employing web application firewalls and keeping software up to date are also crucial.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates and security patches provided by the plugin developer and promptly apply them to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and the application remains secure.