CVE-2021-24951 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Learn about the CVE-2021-24951 vulnerability in the LearnPress WordPress LMS Plugin that could lead to SQL Injection issues.

Understanding CVE-2021-24951

This CVE, titled 'LearnPress < 4.1.4 - Admin+ SQL Injection,' exposes a security flaw in the LearnPress WordPress plugin versions prior to 4.1.4.

What is CVE-2021-24951?

The LearnPress WordPress plugin before version 4.1.4 fails to sanitize, validate, and escape the id parameter. This vulnerability can be exploited to execute SQL injection attacks when duplicating course, lesson, quiz, or question, potentially compromising the integrity of the database.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24951

The SQL injection vulnerability in LearnPress Plugin versions before 4.1.4 opens the door for malicious actors to manipulate the database, retrieve sensitive information, modify data, or even take control of the affected WordPress site. It poses a serious threat to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the data.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24951

Get insights into how this vulnerability manifests and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper handling of user input, specifically the id parameter, in SQL statements during the duplication process. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious SQL queries.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the LearnPress WordPress LMS Plugin versions earlier than 4.1.4. Users with affected versions are at risk of exploitation by threat actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting a malicious payload for the id parameter, threat actors can inject SQL commands through vulnerable inputs, enabling them to manipulate the database and execute unauthorized operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to protect your systems from CVE-2021-24951 and similar vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update the LearnPress plugin to version 4.1.4 or later to mitigate the SQL injection risk. Additionally, web application firewalls or input validation mechanisms can help prevent unauthorized database access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regular security audits can help identify and address vulnerabilities at an early stage, enhancing overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security patches and updates released by the plugin vendor. Promptly apply patches to eliminate known vulnerabilities and bolster the resilience of your WordPress site against potential attacks.