Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This vulnerability affects WordPress sites using the Cozmoslabs Profile Builder plugin version 3.6.0 or earlier, when the Import and Export add-on is required. It is a CSRF issue that could let an attacker abuse a user’s browser to upload a JSON file and change plugin options.
Executive priority
Treat this as a targeted maintenance issue, not an emergency, unless affected sites manage sensitive user registration workflows. Prioritize sites on old plugin versions and confirm whether the required add-on is present.
Technical view
CVE-2021-36915 is a CWE-352 CSRF flaw in Profile Builder <= 3.6.0. The source bundle states it allows JSON upload and option updates and requires the Import and Export add-on. CVSS 3.1 is 4.2 with network access, high attack complexity, no attacker privileges, and user interaction required.
Likely exposure
Exposure is limited to WordPress installations running Profile Builder <= 3.6.0 with the Import and Export add-on present. Sites not using that add-on are less likely to match the described vulnerable condition.
Exploitation context
The bundle does not report active exploitation, and KEV is false. The CVSS vector requires user interaction and high attack complexity. The exact victim role and operational impact are not fully detailed in the provided sources.
Researcher notes
Public evidence is sparse. The bundle identifies affected versions, CSRF class, required add-on, and broad impact on JSON upload and option updates, but does not provide detailed exploit conditions, fixed version, or confirmed exploitation.
Mitigation direction
- Identify WordPress sites running Profile Builder <= 3.6.0.
- Check whether the Import and Export add-on is installed or enabled.
- Review Cozmoslabs, WordPress.org, or Patchstack guidance for the fixed version.
- Update the plugin once a vendor-supported fixed release is confirmed.
- Disable the Import and Export add-on if it is not required.
Validation and detection
- Inventory Profile Builder versions across managed WordPress sites.
- Confirm whether affected sites use the Import and Export add-on.
- Review plugin option-change history for unexpected imports or configuration changes.
- After updating, verify the affected workflow no longer accepts unauthorized cross-site requests.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CWE-352: User-session and phishing behavior lookup
Client-side and session-facing weaknesses should be reviewed alongside initial-access and user-execution behaviors. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2021-36915 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- Medium
- CVSS
- 4.2 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L1.62.5Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 3.1 score
4.2MediumVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.