CVE-2021-34646 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A critical authentication bypass vulnerability has been identified in the Booster for WooCommerce WordPress plugin versions up to, and including, 5.4.3. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to impersonate users, trigger email address verification, and automatically log in as arbitrary accounts.

Understanding CVE-2021-34646

This CVE describes a severe vulnerability in the Booster for WooCommerce plugin that allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to user accounts.

What is CVE-2021-34646?

CVE-2021-34646 is an authentication bypass vulnerability in the Booster for WooCommerce WordPress plugin versions up to 5.4.3. It arises due to a weakness in random token generation, enabling attackers to impersonate users and access arbitrary accounts.

The Impact of CVE-2021-34646

The impact of this vulnerability is critical, with a CVSS base score of 9.8 (Critical). It poses a high risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of affected systems, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data and user accounts.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-34646

This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Booster for WooCommerce plugin allows attackers to bypass authentication by exploiting weaknesses in the process_email_verification function, enabling them to impersonate users and trigger unauthorized email verifications.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Booster for WooCommerce plugin versions up to 5.4.3. Users with the Email Verification module active and the Login User After Successful Verification setting enabled are at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the random token generation weakness in the reset_and_mail_activation_link function within the ~/includes/class-wcj-emails-verification.php file. By impersonating users and triggering email verifications, they can gain automatic access to arbitrary accounts, including administrative ones.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-34646, immediate action and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are strongly advised to update to version 5.4.4 or newer of the Booster for WooCommerce plugin. Disabling the Email Verification module and the Login User After Successful Verification setting can also mitigate the risk.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, regular security audits, and employee security awareness training are crucial for enhancing overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates, monitoring for plugin vulnerabilities, and following best practices for WordPress security can help prevent similar authentication bypass vulnerabilities in the future.