CVE-2021-24978 : Security Advisory and Response

The OSMapper WordPress plugin version <= 2.1.5 is vulnerable to an unauthenticated arbitrary post deletion attack due to a lack of authorization and CSRF checks.

Understanding CVE-2021-24978

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in the OSMapper WordPress plugin that allows unauthenticated users to delete arbitrary posts from the blog.

What is CVE-2021-24978?

The OSMapper WordPress plugin version <= 2.1.5 contains an AJAX action that enables the deletion of plugin-related post types without proper authentication, authorization, and CSRF protection. This flaw lets unauthenticated users delete posts from the blog.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24978

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to unauthorized deletion of posts on a WordPress site, potentially causing data loss and content manipulation by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24978

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OSMapper plugin version <=2.1.5 allows unauthenticated users to delete arbitrary posts via an AJAX action lacking proper authentication and authorization mechanisms.

Affected Systems and Versions

OSMapper plugin versions up to and including 2.1.5 are affected by this security issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves sending a crafted request to the specific AJAX action without the need for authentication, enabling attackers to delete posts maliciously.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24978, users and administrators can take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable OSMapper plugin if not critical for operations.
Implement access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Regularly monitor logs for suspicious activities indicating post deletions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep plugins and software updated to avoid known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address security gaps.

Patching and Updates

Check for any available patches or updates from the plugin vendor to fix the vulnerability.
Apply patches promptly to secure the WordPress site against potential attacks.