CVE-2021-36917 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

WordPress Hide My WP premium plugin version 6.2.3 and below has a vulnerability that allows any unauthenticated user to deactivate the plugin, posing a security risk. Here's what you need to know about CVE-2021-36917.

Understanding CVE-2021-36917

This section will provide an overview of the vulnerability affecting the Hide My WP plugin.

What is CVE-2021-36917?

The CVE-2021-36917 vulnerability in the WordPress Hide My WP plugin (versions <= 6.2.3) enables unauthorized users to deactivate the plugin and obtain a reset token for further exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-36917

As a medium-severity vulnerability with a CVSS base score of 6.5, CVE-2021-36917 can result in low integrity impact and availability impact when exploited.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-36917

This section will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper access control, allowing unauthenticated users to deactivate the Hide My WP plugin, compromising site security.

Affected Systems and Versions

Hide My WP plugin versions up to 6.2.3 are affected by this vulnerability, putting websites at risk of unauthorized deactivation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can trigger the deactivation of the plugin through the retrieval and use of a reset token.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your WordPress site from the CVE-2021-36917 vulnerability, follow these mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Hide My WP plugin to version 6.2.4 or higher to address the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized deactivation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ additional security measures such as strong authentication mechanisms and regular security audits to bolster your website's defenses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and regularly update all plugins and WordPress core to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.