CVE-2017-20008 : Security Advisory and Response

The myCRED WordPress plugin, specifically versions before 1.7.8, is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to improper sanitization of user input.

Understanding CVE-2017-20008

This CVE identifies a security issue in the myCRED plugin that could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts through the Points Log admin dashboard.

What is CVE-2017-20008?

The vulnerability in myCRED plugin versions prior to 1.7.8 enables attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts through the user parameter, potentially leading to Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2017-20008

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to perform Reflected Cross-Site Scripting attacks, compromising the security and integrity of WordPress websites using the affected plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-20008

The technical details shed light on the specific aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The myCRED WordPress plugin, before version 1.7.8, fails to properly sanitize and escape user input, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts through the Points Log admin dashboard.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: myCred – Points, Rewards, Gamification, Ranks, Badges & Loyalty Plugin
Vendor: Unknown
Versions Affected: < 1.7.8

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper input validation and sanitization in the user parameter of the myCRED plugin, enabling attackers to craft malicious scripts that get executed in the admin dashboard.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-20008 involves taking immediate and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the myCRED plugin to version 1.7.8 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and audit user inputs and outputs to detect and prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks in WordPress plugins.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to avoid similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the myCRED plugin and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.