CVE-2021-25013 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the details of CVE-2021-25013, a vulnerability in the Qubely WordPress plugin before 1.7.8 allowing authenticated users to delete arbitrary posts. Learn about the impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.
A detailed overview of CVE-2021-25013 focusing on a vulnerability in the Qubely WordPress plugin before version 1.7.8 that allows authenticated users to delete arbitrary posts.
Understanding CVE-2021-25013
This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-25013.
What is CVE-2021-25013?
The Qubely WordPress plugin before 1.7.8 lacks authorization and CSRF checks on the qubely_delete_saved_block AJAX action. This oversight allows any authenticated user, such as a subscriber, to delete arbitrary posts.
The Impact of CVE-2021-25013
The vulnerability in Qubely plugin versions prior to 1.7.8 enables unauthorized deletion of posts by authenticated users, leading to potential data loss and content manipulation.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-25013
In this section, we explore the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The Qubely plugin's lack of authorization and CSRF verification on a specific AJAX action permits authenticated users to delete posts without proper validation, posing a security risk.
Affected Systems and Versions
The issue impacts Qubely WordPress plugin versions earlier than 1.7.8, exposing websites to the risk of unauthorized post deletion by authenticated users.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers, including subscribers, can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the qubely_delete_saved_block AJAX action through a crafted request, resulting in arbitrary post deletion.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines immediate steps and long-term practices to secure systems and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-25013.
Immediate Steps to Take
Website administrators are advised to update the Qubely plugin to version 1.7.8 or above immediately to prevent unauthorized post deletions by authenticated users.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strict authorization mechanisms, conduct regular security audits, and educate users to enhance the overall security posture of the WordPress environment.
Patching and Updates
Regularly monitor for plugin updates and security patches for Qubely to address known vulnerabilities and protect against potential exploitation.