CVE-2017-6816 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress versions prior to 4.7.3 are vulnerable to accidental file removal via the plugin deletion feature.

Understanding CVE-2017-6816

Administrators can unintentionally delete files in WordPress installations before version 4.7.3, specifically in the wp-admin/plugins.php file.

What is CVE-2017-6816?

This CVE describes a vulnerability in WordPress that allows administrators to inadvertently remove files when using the plugin deletion functionality.

The Impact of CVE-2017-6816

The vulnerability can lead to the unintended deletion of files, potentially causing data loss or disruption to the WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-6816

WordPress CVE-2017-6816 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

Administrators can accidentally delete files in WordPress versions before 4.7.3 through the wp-admin/plugins.php file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WordPress
Vendor: WordPress
Versions Affected: All versions before 4.7.3

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs when administrators utilize the plugin deletion feature in the wp-admin/plugins.php file.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your WordPress site from CVE-2017-6816 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WordPress to version 4.7.3 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Be cautious when deleting plugins to avoid accidental file removal.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update WordPress and plugins to the latest versions.
Implement proper backup procedures to mitigate data loss in case of accidental file deletion.
Educate administrators on safe plugin management practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of WordPress updates and security patches to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities.