CVE-2021-37597

WP Cerber before 8.9.3 allows MFA bypass via wordpress_logged_in_[hash] manipulation

published August 19, 2021

CVSS
—
EPSS
2%
Percentile
81.8
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky manipulation of the `wordpress_logged_in_[hash]` could let attackers slip past multi-factor authentication in WP Cerber before version 8.9.3! Think of this like a restaurant that skips checking your reservation. If they accept anyone who claims to be on the list, unauthorized diners could waltz right in! An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass multi-factor authentication, gaining unauthorized access to user accounts. This means that even if users think they’re secure with MFA, a crafty exploit could let someone in the back door, leading to potential data breaches and other malicious activities.

Put simply

Think of this like a restaurant that skips checking your reservation. If they accept anyone who claims to be on the list, unauthorized diners could waltz right in! This vulnerability stems from the ability to manipulate the `wordpress_logged_in_[hash]` value, which can allow an attacker to bypass the MFA process without needing the second factor, compromising account security.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass multi-factor authentication, gaining unauthorized access to user accounts. This means that even if users think they’re secure with MFA, a crafty exploit could let someone in the back door, leading to potential data breaches and other malicious activities. Update WP Cerber to version 8.9.3 or later immediately. Ensure that you audit your current security settings and educate users about the potential risks of relying solely on MFA if not properly secured. You’ve got this! By following these steps, you can kick this vulnerability to the curb and enhance your security! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.02124 · 81.8th percentile
Published
2021-08-19T18:51Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 19 AUG 18:51Z
    WP Cerber before 8.9.3 allows MFA bypass via wordpress_logged_in_[hash] manipulation
    cvelistv5