CVE-2018-20463 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability has been identified in the JSmol2WP plugin 1.07 for WordPress that allows arbitrary file reading and Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) exploitation.

Understanding CVE-2018-20463

This CVE involves a security issue in the JSmol2WP plugin for WordPress.

What is CVE-2018-20463?

CVE-2018-20463 is a vulnerability in the JSmol2WP plugin 1.07 for WordPress that enables attackers to read arbitrary files and conduct SSRF attacks by exploiting directory traversal in the query string.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20463

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files and potential SSRF attacks, compromising the security and integrity of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20463

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the JSmol2WP plugin 1.07 for WordPress allows attackers to read arbitrary files by exploiting directory traversal in the query string.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: JSmol2WP plugin 1.07
Vendor: N/A
Versions: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the query string 'query=php://filter/resource=' in the file jsmol.php, enabling directory traversal and SSRF.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20463 is crucial to prevent unauthorized access and SSRF attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable JSmol2WP plugin 1.07 from WordPress installations.
Implement strict input validation to prevent directory traversal attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit file access and server requests for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep WordPress plugins and themes updated to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Check for security patches or updated versions of the JSmol2WP plugin to address the vulnerability.
Apply updates promptly to ensure the security of WordPress websites.