CVE-2018-5661 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress plugin responsive-coming-soon-page version 1.1.18 is vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS) through the logo_width parameter.

Understanding CVE-2018-5661

The security vulnerability in the responsive-coming-soon-page plugin for WordPress allows for XSS attacks through a specific parameter.

What is CVE-2018-5661?

This CVE identifies a security flaw in version 1.1.18 of the responsive-coming-soon-page plugin for WordPress, enabling cross-site scripting via the logo_width parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2018-5661

The XSS vulnerability in the plugin can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential website defacement.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-5661

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

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the insecure handling of user input in the logo_width parameter within the wp-admin/admin.php file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: responsive-coming-soon-page plugin
Vendor: N/A
Version: 1.1.18

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts through the logo_width parameter, potentially executing unauthorized actions on the affected WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-5661 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable plugin version 1.1.18 from WordPress installations.
Implement web application firewalls to filter and block malicious input.
Regularly monitor and audit website code for vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep WordPress and all plugins/themes updated to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about safe coding practices and security awareness.

Patching and Updates

Check for security patches or updated versions of the responsive-coming-soon-page plugin to address the XSS vulnerability.