CVE-2021-24915 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-24915, a critical SQL injection vulnerability in Contest Gallery WordPress plugin < 13.1.0.6 exposing sites to data breaches. Find mitigation steps here.
A detailed overview of CVE-2021-24915, a vulnerability in the Contest Gallery WordPress plugin before version 13.1.0.6 that exposes sites to SQL injection and email address disclosure.
Understanding CVE-2021-24915
This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies of CVE-2021-24915.
What is CVE-2021-24915?
The Contest Gallery WordPress plugin prior to version 13.1.0.6 lacks capability checks and proper data sanitization, enabling attackers to execute SQL injection attacks and access user information.
The Impact of CVE-2021-24915
The vulnerability allows unauthenticated users to manipulate SQL queries, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data like usernames and email addresses.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-24915
Explore the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation vectors.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from inadequate validation of user-supplied data in SQL queries, opening the door for SQL injection attacks and exposure of confidential user details.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Contest Gallery WordPress plugin versions prior to 13.1.0.6, leaving sites vulnerable to exploitation if not promptly updated.
Exploitation Mechanism
By manipulating the 'cg-search-user-name-original' parameter in a SQL statement, threat actors can execute malicious queries and extract sensitive information from the database.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover immediate steps to secure your system and establish long-term protection against similar vulnerabilities.
Immediate Steps to Take
Site owners are advised to update the plugin to version 13.1.0.6 or higher immediately, restrict access to sensitive URLs, and regularly review user permissions and activity logs.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement best practices such as input validation, parameterized queries, least privilege principles, and ongoing security monitoring to prevent SQL injection attacks.
Patching and Updates
Stay proactive by applying security patches promptly, monitoring official channels for vulnerability disclosures, and cultivating a culture of security awareness within your organization.