CVE-2021-24550 : What You Need to Know

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24550, a vulnerability in the Broken Link Manager WordPress plugin version 0.6.5 that allows for an authenticated SQL injection attack.

Understanding CVE-2021-24550

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE-2021-24550 vulnerability in the Broken Link Manager WordPress plugin.

What is CVE-2021-24550?

The Broken Link Manager WordPress plugin version 0.6.5 fails to properly sanitize, validate, or escape the URL GET parameter. This oversight allows for an SQL injection vulnerability when utilizing the URL in an SQL statement for editing purposes, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary SQL queries.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24550

The presence of this vulnerability may result in an authenticated SQL injection attack, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or even data loss within the affected WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24550

Explore the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2021-24550 vulnerability to understand its implications and risks.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw lies in the plugin's handling of the URL parameter, which lacks proper sanitization, validation, or escape mechanisms, paving the way for SQL injection exploits.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the Broken Link Manager WordPress plugin up to and including version 0.6.5, leaving sites with these versions exposed to potential attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with admin or higher privileges can manipulate the URL parameter to inject malicious SQL queries, bypassing access controls and executing unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24550 and safeguard WordPress sites from potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Broken Link Manager plugin to a secure version that addresses the SQL injection vulnerability.
Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) to filter and block malicious SQL injection attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit plugins for security issues, ensuring prompt updates and patches.
Educate users on secure coding practices and the dangers of SQL injection attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates released by plugin developers and promptly apply patches to eliminate known vulnerabilities.