CVE-2021-24981 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Directorist – Business Directory Plugin < 7.0.6.2 - CSRF to Remote File Upload is a vulnerability that allows Cross-Site Request Forgery leading to arbitrary PHP shell uploads in the WordPress wp-content/plugins directory.

Understanding CVE-2021-24981

This CVE affects the Directorist WordPress plugin versions prior to 7.0.6.2 and presents a security risk related to Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) to Remote File Upload.

What is CVE-2021-24981?

The Directorist WordPress plugin before version 7.0.6.2 is susceptible to a CSRF attack that permits unauthorized file uploads, potentially allowing threat actors to upload malicious PHP shells into the plugin directory.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24981

This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to upload malicious files to the WordPress site, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution, data theft, or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24981

The technical details of this CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a lack of CSRF protection, enabling threat actors to trick authenticated users into carrying out unintended actions such as uploading malicious PHP files.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Directorist – Business Directory Plugin with versions prior to 7.0.6.2.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious link or URL that, when clicked by an authenticated user, triggers the unauthorized file upload process.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-24981, consider the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Directorist plugin to version 7.0.6.2 or higher to mitigate the CSRF to Remote File Upload vulnerability.
Regularly monitor file uploads and directory changes within the WordPress installation for unusual activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement CSRF protection mechanisms in web applications to prevent these types of attacks.
Educate users about phishing techniques to reduce the likelihood of CSRF attacks being successful.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for WordPress plugins and ensure timely installation of patches to address known vulnerabilities.