CVE-2021-24352 in Simple 301 Redirects Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/14/2021
The export_data function of the Simple 301 Redirects by BetterLinks WordPress plugin before 2.0.4 had no capability or nonce checks making it possible for unauthenticated users to export a site's redirects.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-24352 resides within the Simple 301 Redirects by BetterLinks WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.0.4. This issue represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress site configurations by exposing sensitive redirect data to unauthorized users. The vulnerability stems from the export_data function which lacks proper authentication and authorization mechanisms, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit without requiring any valid credentials or privileges.
The technical implementation of this flaw demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and access control measures that violates fundamental security principles. The export_data function operates without performing any nonce checks or user authentication verification, which means any visitor to the website can trigger the data export functionality. This absence of security controls directly contravenes the principle of least privilege and represents a clear violation of CWE-352, which addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities. The function essentially acts as an open door that allows unauthenticated access to potentially sensitive redirect information that may include internal site structures, URL mappings, and other configuration data that could aid in further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used for more sophisticated attacks. When unauthenticated users can export redirect data, they gain visibility into the site's internal URL structure, which may reveal sensitive endpoints, internal services, or patterns that could be leveraged for targeted attacks. This information disclosure vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to map the site's architecture and identify potential additional attack vectors. The exposure of redirect configurations can also reveal the presence of internal services or development environments that should remain hidden from public access, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further compromise of the WordPress installation.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to reconnaissance and credential access. Attackers can utilize this flaw as part of their initial reconnaissance phase to gather intelligence about the target environment before launching more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also fits within the category of privilege escalation techniques where attackers can gain unauthorized access to administrative functions through the exposure of sensitive data. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape where information disclosure can serve as a precursor to more serious security incidents. The lack of proper access controls in this function represents a fundamental security misconfiguration that could be exploited by automated scanning tools or manual attackers seeking to gather intelligence about WordPress installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-24352 require immediate attention through plugin updates to version 2.0.4 or later, which includes the necessary authentication and nonce checks. Administrators should also conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other plugins or themes that may exhibit similar vulnerabilities. Network-level protections such as rate limiting and access controls can provide additional defense in depth, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual patterns of data export requests. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar issues across the entire WordPress ecosystem, ensuring that all plugins and themes maintain proper access control mechanisms. The remediation process should also include reviewing and strengthening overall WordPress security practices, including proper user management, regular updates, and implementation of security hardening measures.