CVE-2018-0586 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability related to directory traversal in the Ultimate Member plugin prior to version 2.0.4 allows remote authenticated attackers to read arbitrary files on the system.

Understanding CVE-2018-0586

This CVE involves a directory traversal vulnerability in the shortcodes function of the Ultimate Member plugin.

What is CVE-2018-0586?

The vulnerability in the Ultimate Member plugin before version 2.0.4 enables remote authenticated attackers to access arbitrary files on the targeted system through unspecified vectors.

The Impact of CVE-2018-0586

This vulnerability poses a risk as attackers can read sensitive files on the system, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-0586

The technical aspects of the CVE provide insights into the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the shortcodes function of the Ultimate Member plugin allows remote authenticated attackers to perform directory traversal, leading to unauthorized access to arbitrary files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Ultimate Member
Vendor: Ultimate Member
Versions Affected: Prior to version 2.0.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit unspecified vectors to read arbitrary files on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-0586 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Ultimate Member plugin to version 2.0.4 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to directory traversal.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and user permissions to limit the impact of potential attacks.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address security weaknesses.
Educate users on safe practices to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by the plugin vendor.
Apply security updates promptly to ensure the system is protected against known vulnerabilities.