CVE-2021-4401 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The Style Kits plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in versions up to, and including, 1.8.0. The missing or incorrect nonce validation on the update_posts_stylekit() function allows unauthenticated attackers to update style kits for posts via a forged request.

Understanding CVE-2021-4401

This section provides insight into the CVE-2021-4401 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-4401?

The Style Kits plugin for WordPress is susceptible to Cross-Site Request Forgery due to inadequate validation, enabling unauthorized modifications to site content.

The Impact of CVE-2021-4401

The vulnerability grants unauthenticated attackers the ability to manipulate style kits for posts, posing risks of unauthorized content modifications.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-4401

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-4401 in this section.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from missing or incorrect nonce validation in the update_posts_stylekit() function, opening avenues for CSRF attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Style Kits plugin for WordPress versions up to 1.8.0 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this vulnerability by tricking site administrators into performing actions through forged requests.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-4401.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators must update the Style Kits plugin to versions beyond 1.8.0 to safeguard against CSRF attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust authentication protocols and educate users on phishing tactics to enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and monitor plugin updates to address known vulnerabilities effectively.