CVE-2021-24959 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The WP Email Users WordPress plugin version 1.7.6 and below is vulnerable to SQL injection due to improper data sanitization. This allows authenticated users to execute malicious SQL queries via a specific AJAX action.

Understanding CVE-2021-24959

This CVE highlights a security flaw in the WP Email Users plugin that can be exploited by authenticated users to inject SQL queries.

What is CVE-2021-24959?

The vulnerability in the WP Email Users plugin, up to version 1.7.6, arises from inadequate handling of the 'data_raw' parameter in a specific AJAX action, leading to SQL injection attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24959

By leveraging this vulnerability, attackers with authenticated access can tamper with SQL queries, potentially leading to data exposure, manipulation, or even a complete takeover of the affected WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24959

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows any authenticated user to inject malicious SQL queries through the 'data_raw' parameter in the weu_selected_users_1 AJAX action.

Affected Systems and Versions

WP Email Users plugin versions up to 1.7.6 are impacted by this vulnerability due to the lack of proper input sanitization.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this issue by crafting specific SQL injection payloads and sending them through the weu_selected_users_1 AJAX action to manipulate the database.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your WordPress site from potential exploitation of CVE-2021-24959, immediate actions and security best practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WP Email Users to the latest version to patch the SQL injection vulnerability.
Monitor user activities on your WordPress site for any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit plugins for security vulnerabilities and ensure timely updates.
Educate users on safe practices and permissions management within the WordPress environment.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by plugin developers to mitigate known vulnerabilities.