CVE-2021-24889 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed insight into the security vulnerability in the Ninja Forms Contact Form WordPress plugin.

Understanding CVE-2021-24889

This CVE highlights a security flaw in the Ninja Forms Contact Form WordPress plugin version less than 3.6.4 that could lead to SQL injection attacks.

What is CVE-2021-24889?

The Ninja Forms Contact Form WordPress plugin version less than 3.6.4 is susceptible to SQL injection due to unescaped keys in the fields POST parameter, potentially enabling high privilege users to execute SQL injection attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24889

Exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers to manipulate the SQL database, extract sensitive information, modify data, or even take control of the affected WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24889

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the failure to properly escape keys in the fields POST parameter, enabling attackers to inject SQL code.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue impacts Ninja Forms Contact Form WordPress plugin versions prior to 3.6.4.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privileges can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious SQL commands, potentially compromising the security of the WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure your system against CVE-2021-24889, follow these guidelines.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Ninja Forms Contact Form plugin to version 3.6.4 or higher to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor and review website logs for any unauthorized activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and themes to prevent security vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access control to restrict user capabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by plugin developers to protect your WordPress site from potential threats.