CVE-2021-24894 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed analysis of CVE-2021-24894, a vulnerability found in the Reviews Plus WordPress plugin version less than 1.2.14 that can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2021-24894

This section provides insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact on systems.

What is CVE-2021-24894?

The Reviews Plus WordPress plugin before version 1.2.14 fails to validate submitted ratings, allowing the submission of long integers. This loophole permits authenticated users to trigger a Denial of Service attack by submitting such ratings when reviews are set to be displayed on a page or post.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24894

The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious users to overload the review system, causing it to crash and disrupt the normal functioning of the website. This can lead to a loss of service availability and credibility.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24894

Explore the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability results from a lack of proper input validation in the plugin, enabling the submission of excessively long ratings that can trigger a DoS condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running Reviews Plus versions earlier than 1.2.14 are susceptible to this vulnerability. Users of these versions should take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated users can exploit the flaw by submitting long integer ratings in the review section, leading to a DoS situation when reviews are configured to display on the website.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-24894.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Reviews Plus plugin to version 1.2.14 or later to fix the vulnerability and prevent potential DoS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a robust security posture by regularly updating plugins, conducting security audits, and educating users on safe practices to secure the website.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security patches released by the plugin vendor and promptly apply them to ensure the protection of your WordPress site against known vulnerabilities.