CVE-2017-16871 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress UpdraftPlus plugin up to version 1.13.12 has a security vulnerability allowing remote PHP code execution due to a race condition in the plupload_action function.

Understanding CVE-2017-16871

The CVE-2017-16871 vulnerability in the WordPress UpdraftPlus plugin poses a risk of remote PHP code execution.

What is CVE-2017-16871?

The security flaw in the UpdraftPlus plugin allows attackers to execute PHP code remotely by exploiting a race condition in the plupload_action function.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16871

This vulnerability can be exploited to execute malicious PHP code remotely, potentially compromising the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16871

The technical aspects of the CVE-2017-16871 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The race condition in the plupload_action function in /wp-content/plugins/updraftplus/admin.php enables remote PHP code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WordPress UpdraftPlus plugin
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: Up to 1.13.12

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises when deleting a file associated with the name parameter, allowing attackers to trigger the race condition and execute PHP code remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2017-16871 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the UpdraftPlus plugin to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor website activity for any signs of unauthorized access or malicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins and themes to prevent security vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for WordPress plugins and apply patches promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities.