CVE-2021-26029 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides insights into CVE-2021-26029, a security vulnerability discovered in Joomla! CMS versions 1.6.0 through 3.9.24. The issue stems from inadequate filtering of form contents, potentially enabling attackers to overwrite the author field.

Understanding CVE-2021-26029

CVE-2021-26029 is a security flaw found in Joomla! CMS that affects versions 1.6.0 through 3.9.24. The vulnerability arises from a lack of proper filtering of form inputs, creating a loophole for unauthorized modification of the author field.

What is CVE-2021-26029?

CVE-2021-26029, identified on March 2, 2021, exposes Joomla! CMS installations to a risk where attackers can manipulate the author field through inadequate form input filtering. This could lead to unauthorized changes and potential security breaches.

The Impact of CVE-2021-26029

The impact of CVE-2021-26029 lies in the ability of threat actors to tamper with the author field on Joomla! CMS platforms running versions 1.6.0 through 3.9.24. Such unauthorized modifications can disrupt the integrity and security of content management systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-26029

CVE-2021-26029 has the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows malicious users to overwrite the author field in Joomla! CMS due to insufficient form content filtering, potentially leading to unauthorized access and content manipulation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Joomla! CMS versions 1.6.0 through 3.9.24 are impacted by CVE-2021-26029, leaving installations running these versions vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2021-26029 involves manipulating the form contents to overwrite the author field, bypassing the inadequate filtering mechanisms in affected Joomla! CMS versions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-26029, it is crucial to take immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately restrict access to the author field, review user permissions, and monitor for any unauthorized changes. Consider implementing security patches promptly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensure regular security audits, stay updated with Joomla! security advisories, educate users on safe practices, and maintain a robust security posture to prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply the latest security patches released by Joomla! Project to address CVE-2021-26029. Regularly update Joomla! CMS to stay protected against known security risks.