CVE-2018-18069 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The WPML plugin, also known as sitepress-multilingual-cms, has a vulnerability that allows for XSS attacks when an authenticated theme-localization.php request is made to wp-admin/admin.php.

Understanding CVE-2018-18069

This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in the WPML plugin that could lead to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

What is CVE-2018-18069?

The vulnerability in the WPML plugin allows attackers to execute XSS attacks by targeting the locale_file_name_ parameter in specific requests.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18069

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18069

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the process_forms function of the WPML plugin through version 3.6.3 for WordPress, allowing XSS via the locale_file_name_ parameter.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: WPML plugin (sitepress-multilingual-cms)
Affected Version: Up to version 3.6.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted authenticated request to wp-admin/admin.php with a specific locale_file_name_ parameter.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-18069, the following steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the WPML plugin to version 3.6.4 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches for all installed plugins and software.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to the WPML plugin and apply patches promptly to secure your system.