CVE-2017-17093 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress before version 4.9.1 is vulnerable to XSS attacks due to improper restriction of the lang attribute in the wp-includes/general-template.php file.

Understanding CVE-2017-17093

In versions prior to 4.9.1, a security flaw in WordPress could allow attackers to exploit XSS vulnerabilities by manipulating the site's language settings.

What is CVE-2017-17093?

WordPress file wp-includes/general-template.php does not effectively limit the lang attribute of an HTML element, potentially enabling XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17093

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to conduct XSS attacks through the language setting of a WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17093

WordPress version 4.9.1 and earlier are affected by this security issue.

Vulnerability Description

The WordPress file wp-includes/general-template.php does not properly restrict the lang attribute of an HTML element, allowing for potential XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WordPress
Vendor: WordPress
Versions affected: Before 4.9.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the language settings of a WordPress site to execute XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to secure WordPress sites against CVE-2017-17093.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WordPress to version 4.9.1 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor language settings and user inputs for suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update WordPress and plugins to the latest versions.
Implement security plugins and practices to prevent XSS attacks.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the importance of security updates.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by WordPress to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.