CVE-2018-19796 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-19796 affecting Ninja Forms plugin for WordPress. Find out how remote attackers can exploit an open redirect vulnerability to redirect users maliciously.
Ninja Forms plugin for WordPress before version 3.3.19.1 is vulnerable to an open redirect issue that can be exploited by remote attackers to redirect users by manipulating the redirect parameter in the step-processing.php file.
Understanding CVE-2018-19796
This CVE entry describes a security vulnerability in the Ninja Forms plugin for WordPress.
What is CVE-2018-19796?
An open redirect vulnerability in the Ninja Forms plugin before version 3.3.19.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to redirect users through the submissions download page.
The Impact of CVE-2018-19796
The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to redirect users to malicious websites, potentially leading to phishing attacks or the installation of malware.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-19796
This section provides technical details about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability exists in the redirect parameter of the lib/StepProcessing/step-processing.php file in Ninja Forms plugin versions prior to 3.3.19.1.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Ninja Forms plugin for WordPress
- Vendor: Ninja Forms
- Versions Affected: Versions before 3.3.19.1
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the redirect parameter in the step-processing.php file to redirect users to malicious sites.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-19796 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the Ninja Forms plugin to version 3.3.19.1 or later.
- Monitor and restrict user inputs to prevent malicious redirects.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update plugins and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown links to prevent redirection attacks.
- Implement security measures to detect and block malicious redirects.
- Stay informed about security advisories related to WordPress plugins.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all software, including plugins like Ninja Forms, are regularly updated to the latest secure versions.