CVE-2021-24451 in Export Users With Meta Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2021
The Export Users With Meta WordPress plugin before 0.6.5 did not escape the list of roles to export before using them in a SQL statement in the export functionality, available to admins, leading to an authenticated SQL Injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-24451 affects the Export Users With Meta WordPress plugin version 0.6.4 and earlier, representing a critical authentication bypass and data exfiltration risk within WordPress environments. This flaw exists in the plugin's export functionality which is accessible to administrators, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages existing administrative privileges to escalate the attack vector. The vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization within the SQL query construction process, specifically when handling user role parameters during export operations. The plugin's failure to properly escape or validate the list of roles before incorporating them into SQL statements creates an exploitable condition that allows attackers with administrative access to manipulate database queries through malicious role parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which classifies improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, commonly known as SQL injection attacks. This particular implementation demonstrates how authenticated attackers can leverage their administrative privileges to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the WordPress database. The attack requires minimal privilege escalation since the vulnerability exists within functionality already accessible to administrators, making it a significant concern for WordPress installations where administrative accounts may be compromised or where privilege management is insufficient. The SQL injection occurs when the plugin processes user role parameters without proper sanitization, allowing malicious input to be directly incorporated into database queries. This creates opportunities for attackers to extract sensitive user data, modify database records, or potentially escalate privileges further within the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-24451 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to gain deeper insights into the WordPress installation's user base and potentially compromise additional system components. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can retrieve user credentials, personal information, and metadata associated with exported user accounts, which may include sensitive personal details stored in WordPress user meta fields. The vulnerability's presence in the export functionality means that legitimate administrative activities become potential attack vectors, making detection more challenging as malicious database queries can appear to be normal administrative operations. Organizations using vulnerable versions of the plugin face risks of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential reputational damage, particularly in environments where user privacy is paramount. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that WordPress administrators may not regularly audit export functionality, creating opportunities for attackers to maintain persistent access through data extraction operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-24451 require immediate plugin version updates to 0.6.5 or later, which contain the necessary SQL injection protections and input validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress plugins are regularly updated and monitored for security vulnerabilities. Additional protective measures include implementing strict administrative access controls, monitoring database queries for unusual patterns, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress installations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1046 which covers network service scanning, as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access and expand their reconnaissance activities. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SQL query patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of WordPress plugins and themes, combined with proper input validation practices in custom code, will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.