CVE-2018-19370 : What You Need to Know

Yoast SEO (wordpress-seo) plugin version 9.2.0 and earlier is vulnerable to a Race condition in the admin/import/class-import-settings.php file, allowing an SEO Manager to execute arbitrary commands on the Operating System.

Understanding CVE-2018-19370

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in the Yoast SEO plugin that can be exploited by an attacker to run commands on the underlying Operating System.

What is CVE-2018-19370?

A Race condition vulnerability in the unzip_file function of the Yoast SEO plugin before version 9.2.0 for WordPress enables an SEO Manager to execute commands on the Operating System through a ZIP import.

The Impact of CVE-2018-19370

The vulnerability allows unauthorized individuals to run arbitrary commands on the Operating System, potentially leading to system compromise and unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-19370

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

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the unzip_file function within the admin/import/class-import-settings.php file of the Yoast SEO plugin, allowing for command execution on the Operating System.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: Yoast SEO (wordpress-seo) plugin version 9.2.0 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by utilizing the ZIP import feature to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying Operating System.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-19370 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Yoast SEO plugin to version 9.2.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong access controls and least privilege principles to limit the impact of potential breaches.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the Yoast SEO plugin and apply patches promptly to ensure system security.