CVE-2018-5364 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The parameter wpglobus_option[browser_redirect][redirect_by_language] in the WPGlobus plugin 1.9.6 for WordPress is susceptible to XSS attacks when accessed through wp-admin/options.php.

Understanding CVE-2018-5364

This CVE entry describes a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WPGlobus plugin for WordPress.

What is CVE-2018-5364?

The WPGlobus plugin version 1.9.6 for WordPress is vulnerable to XSS attacks due to improper handling of the parameter wpglobus_option[browser_redirect][redirect_by_language] when accessed through wp-admin/options.php.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5364

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5364

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The WPGlobus plugin 1.9.6 for WordPress allows XSS via the wpglobus_option[browser_redirect][redirect_by_language] parameter to wp-admin/options.php.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: WPGlobus plugin
Affected Version: 1.9.6

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker sending specially crafted input to the vulnerable parameter, leading to the execution of malicious scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-5364, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the WPGlobus plugin if not essential for website functionality.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and themes to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about safe coding practices and security measures.

Patching and Updates

Check for plugin updates and apply patches provided by the plugin developer to fix the XSS vulnerability.