CVE-2021-24356 Simple 301 Redirects by BetterLinks - 2.0.0 – 2.0.3 - Arbitrary Plugin Activation

High 8.8 Published 14 Jun 2021 Updated 3 Aug 2024

Authenticated users can activate arbitrary plugins due to missing capability checks, potentially leading to privilege escalation or site compromise.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-24356?

CVE-2021-24356 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in Unknown Simple 301 Redirects by BetterLinks, published on 14 Jun 2021. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

In the Simple 301 Redirects by BetterLinks WordPress plugin before 2.0.4, a lack of capability checks and insufficient nonce check on the AJAX action, simple301redirects/admin/activate_plugin, made it possible for authenticated users to activate arbitrary plugins installed on vulnerable sites.

Weakness: CWE-862

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-24356?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Wpdeveloper Simple 301 Redirects.

How do I fix CVE-2021-24356?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-24356 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.

Is CVE-2021-24356 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-24356 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Public exploit code: 1 proofs of concept on GitHub.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-x8rw-vx6w-9xw8.