CVE-2021-4398 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-4398, a high-severity CSRF vulnerability in the Amministrazione Trasparente plugin for WordPress up to version 7.1. Take immediate steps to secure your site.
A detailed analysis of the CVE-2021-4398 vulnerability in the Amministrazione Trasparente plugin for WordPress, affecting versions up to 7.1.
Understanding CVE-2021-4398
CVE-2021-4398 is a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in the Amministrazione Trasparente plugin for WordPress that allows unauthenticated attackers to update meta data via a forged request.
What is CVE-2021-4398?
The vulnerability is caused by missing or incorrect nonce validation on the at_save_aturl_meta() function, enabling attackers to manipulate site content if they can deceive a site administrator into taking a specific action.
The Impact of CVE-2021-4398
With a CVSS base score of 8.8 (High), this vulnerability poses a significant risk by granting attackers the ability to modify website data without proper authorization, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data compromise.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-4398
The technical aspects of the CVE-2021-4398 vulnerability, including the description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The Amministrazione Trasparente plugin for WordPress allows unauthenticated attackers to perform Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks by exploiting the missing nonce validation on the at_save_aturl_meta() function.
Affected Systems and Versions
Versions of the Amministrazione Trasparente plugin up to and including 7.1 are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can manipulate meta data on WordPress sites by leveraging forged requests when administrators are tricked into executing specific actions, like clicking on malicious links.
Mitigation and Prevention
Effective strategies to mitigate the impact of CVE-2021-4398 and prevent potential security threats.
Immediate Steps to Take
Site administrators are advised to update the Amministrazione Trasparente plugin to a secure version and monitor for any unauthorized changes in meta data.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement secure coding practices, maintain regular security audits, and educate users on identifying and avoiding CSRF attacks to enhance long-term security.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches released by the plugin vendor and promptly apply updates to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.