CVE-2021-25119 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-25119, a vulnerability in the AGIL WordPress plugin that allows admin users to upload arbitrary files, leading to Remote Code Execution (RCE).

Understanding CVE-2021-25119

This section provides insights into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-25119?

The AGIL WordPress plugin version 1.0 allows all zip files to be uploaded and extracted without validating the file type, enabling admin users to upload PHP files and execute arbitrary code, resulting in RCE.

The Impact of CVE-2021-25119

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows high privilege users to upload malicious files, potentially compromising the entire WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-25119

Explore the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in AGIL <= 1.0 plugin permits admin users to upload any zip file and extract it without verifying the extracted file type, enabling the upload of malicious PHP files.

Affected Systems and Versions

AGIL version 1.0 is specifically affected by this vulnerability, putting sites with this version at risk of RCE attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of file type validation during the zip file extraction process, attackers can upload PHP files and execute arbitrary code on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the crucial steps to mitigate the CVE-2021-25119 vulnerability and secure WordPress sites from potential RCE attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the AGIL plugin to a secure version that addresses the file upload vulnerability.
Implement file type validation checks to prevent the upload of executable files.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor plugin updates and security advisories to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
Enforce least privilege principles to restrict admin access and mitigate the impact of such vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay updated with security patches and regularly update all WordPress plugins, themes, and core files to ensure a secure website.