CVE-2017-5490 : What You Need to Know

WordPress before 4.7.1 is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack due to a flaw in the theme-name fallback feature.

Understanding CVE-2017-5490

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in WordPress versions prior to 4.7.1 that could allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML.

What is CVE-2017-5490?

The theme-name fallback feature in WordPress contains a vulnerability that can be exploited by using a specially crafted directory name for a theme, connected to a specific component.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5490

The vulnerability could enable remote attackers to inject malicious web script or HTML into the affected WordPress site, potentially leading to various security risks and attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5490

WordPress CVE-2017-5490 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability in the theme-name fallback functionality allows attackers to inject malicious code via a crafted directory name of a theme.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WordPress
Vendor: WordPress
Versions affected: Prior to 4.7.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the directory name of a theme, which is associated with a specific WordPress component.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2017-5490 involves the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WordPress to version 4.7.1 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and audit themes and directories for any suspicious activity.
Implement web application firewalls to filter and block malicious traffic.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate users and administrators about safe coding practices to prevent XSS attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by WordPress.
Apply updates promptly to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.