CVE-2021-24906 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Protect WP Admin plugin before version 3.6.2 allows unauthenticated users to disable the plugin via crafted requests, compromising the protection offered.

Understanding CVE-2021-24906

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the Protect WP Admin WordPress plugin that could be exploited by unauthenticated users to deactivate the plugin without proper authorization.

What is CVE-2021-24906?

The security flaw in Protect WP Admin plugin (prior to version 3.6.2) lies in its failure to validate authorization when making requests to the lib/pwa-deactivate.php file. This oversight allows attackers to deactivate the plugin without proper authentication, leaving the site vulnerable to potential threats.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24906

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized deactivation of the Protect WP Admin plugin, removing the security measures it provides. This could result in security breaches, data leaks, and other malicious activities on the affected WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24906

The following details shed light on the technical aspects of CVE-2021-24906.

Vulnerability Description

The CVE-2021-24906 vulnerability allows unauthenticated users to disable the Protect WP Admin plugin without appropriate authorization, potentially exposing WordPress sites to security risks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Protect WP Admin versions prior to 3.6.2 are affected by this vulnerability, putting WordPress sites at risk of unauthorized deactivation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending crafted requests to the lib/pwa-deactivate.php file, unauthenticated users can exploit this vulnerability to disable the Protect WP Admin plugin without authorization, undermining the security of the site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard WordPress sites from the risks associated with CVE-2021-24906, immediate action should be taken to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators are advised to update the Protect WP Admin plugin to version 3.6.2 or higher to address this vulnerability and enhance security measures.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits, timely plugin updates, and adherence to security best practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities and protect WordPress sites from potential threats.

Patching and Updates

Developers should prioritize prompt patching of vulnerabilities and provide timely updates to ensure that WordPress plugins and themes are equipped with the latest security enhancements.