CVE-2018-20979 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2018-20979, a privilege escalation vulnerability in the contact-form-7 plugin for WordPress. Find out how to mitigate and prevent this security issue.
The contact-form-7 plugin before version 5.0.4 for WordPress is susceptible to privilege escalation due to mishandling of capability_type.
Understanding CVE-2018-20979
This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in the contact-form-7 plugin for WordPress that could lead to privilege escalation.
What is CVE-2018-20979?
The register_post_type function in the contact-form-7 plugin prior to version 5.0.4 for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation due to improper handling of capability_type.
The Impact of CVE-2018-20979
The vulnerability could allow an attacker to escalate their privileges within the WordPress environment, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-20979
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The contact-form-7 plugin before version 5.0.4 for WordPress has privilege escalation due to capability_type mishandling in register_post_type.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: contact-form-7 plugin
- Affected Version: < 5.0.4
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of capability_type, allowing attackers to exploit this weakness for privilege escalation.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-20979 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the contact-form-7 plugin to version 5.0.4 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any unauthorized actions or privilege escalations within the WordPress environment.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update plugins and software to patch known vulnerabilities.
- Implement least privilege access controls to limit the impact of potential privilege escalation attacks.
- Conduct security audits to identify and address any security gaps.
- Educate users on best practices for maintaining a secure WordPress environment.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.