CVE-2021-4357 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Discover how CVE-2021-4357 impacts the uListing plugin for WordPress, exposing sites to unauthorized content deletion. Learn about the vulnerability, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
A critical vulnerability has been identified in the uListing plugin for WordPress, allowing unauthenticated attackers to delete site posts and pages. Find out more about CVE-2021-4357 below.
Understanding CVE-2021-4357
The uListing plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to missing capability checks and a missing security nonce, enabling unauthenticated attackers to delete site content.
What is CVE-2021-4357?
The vulnerability in the uListing plugin for WordPress, up to and including version 1.6.6, allows unauthenticated attackers to delete site posts and pages due to authorization bypass.
The Impact of CVE-2021-4357
With this vulnerability, attackers can arbitrarily delete site content, potentially causing data loss and disrupting website operations.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-4357
The following technical details outline the vulnerability further:
Vulnerability Description
The uListing plugin in versions up to 1.6.6 lacks capability checks and a security nonce, leading to an authorization bypass that allows unauthenticated attackers to delete site posts and pages.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vendor: stylemix
- Product: Directory Listings WordPress plugin – uListing
- Versions affected: Up to and including 1.6.6
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers exploit the missing capability checks and security nonce in the UlistingUserRole::save_role_api function to delete site content without authentication.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-4357 and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the uListing plugin to the latest version (1.7 or above) to patch the vulnerability.
- Monitor user permissions and activities to detect any unauthorized content deletion.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update all plugins and themes to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
- Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address any security gaps.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the plugin vendor to protect your WordPress site from potential threats.