CVE-2021-4366 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the details of CVE-2021-4366, a medium-severity vulnerability in the PWA for WP & AMP plugin for WordPress allowing attackers to manipulate plugin settings. Learn about impact, mitigation, and prevention.
A security vulnerability has been discovered in the PWA for WP & AMP plugin for WordPress that could allow authenticated attackers to bypass authorization checks and alter restricted settings within the plugin.
Understanding CVE-2021-4366
This section will provide insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2021-4366.
What is CVE-2021-4366?
The PWA for WP & AMP plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to an authorization bypass due to a missing capability check on the pwaforwp_update_features_options function in versions up to, and including, 1.7.32. This allows authenticated attackers to modify otherwise restricted settings within the plugin.
The Impact of CVE-2021-4366
The vulnerability poses a medium-severity risk with a CVSS base score of 6.3. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can potentially manipulate plugin settings, leading to unauthorized changes within the WordPress site.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-4366
In this section, we delve into the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2021-4366 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from a missing capability check in the pwaforwp_update_features_options function, enabling authenticated attackers to manipulate plugin settings.
Affected Systems and Versions
The issue impacts all versions of the PWA for WP & AMP plugin up to, and including, 1.7.32.
Exploitation Mechanism
Authenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability to bypass authorization checks and alter restricted plugin settings, potentially leading to unauthorized configuration changes.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-4366 and prevent potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Affected users should update the PWA for WP & AMP plugin to version 1.7.33 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for any unauthorized changes to the plugin settings is recommended.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly updating WordPress plugins and implementing strong authentication mechanisms can enhance the overall security posture of the website.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches released by the plugin vendor and promptly apply updates to address known vulnerabilities.