CVE-2021-34621 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A critical vulnerability was discovered in the user registration component of the ProfilePress WordPress plugin versions 3.0.0 to 3.1.3, allowing users to register as administrators on sites. This CVE, known as 'ProfilePress 3.0 - 3.1.3 - Unauthenticated Privilege Escalation,' was disclosed on June 28, 2021, by security researchers Chloe Chamberland and Wordfence.

Understanding CVE-2021-34621

This section provides insights into the nature of the CVE, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2021-34621?

The vulnerability in the user registration component of the ProfilePress WordPress plugin enabled unauthorized users to register as administrators on websites running affected versions (3.0.0 - 3.1.3).

The Impact of CVE-2021-34621

With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10, this critical vulnerability posed a severe threat. It had a high impact on availability, confidentiality, and integrity, without requiring any special privileges to exploit.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34621

This section outlines the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation method.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw resided in the ~/src/Classes/RegistrationAuth.php file of the ProfilePress plugin, allowing attackers to escalate their privileges to administrator level during the registration process.

Affected Systems and Versions

ProfilePress versions 3.0.0 to 3.1.3 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are at risk of unauthorized privilege escalation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the vulnerability in the user registration process, malicious actors could create accounts with administrative privileges without the need for authentication.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your system against CVE-2021-34621 is crucial to maintaining security. Here are some immediate steps and long-term best practices to consider:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the ProfilePress plugin to version 3.1.4 or higher to patch the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized privilege escalation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates from the ProfilePress vendor to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Promptly apply security patches and updates provided by ProfilePress to ensure your system is protected against known vulnerabilities.