CVE-2019-10270 : What You Need to Know

A security vulnerability has been found in version 2.39 of the Ultimate Member plugin for WordPress, allowing unauthorized password modifications and potential privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2019-10270

What is CVE-2019-10270?

An arbitrary password reset issue in the Ultimate Member plugin 2.39 for WordPress enables attackers to reset passwords of other users without proper verification, potentially compromising user accounts and escalating privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2019-10270

This vulnerability allows unauthorized password modifications for any WordPress Ultimate Members, including admin accounts, posing a significant risk of compromising user accounts and escalating privileges.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-10270

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a lack of verification and correlation between the reset password key sent by email and the user_id parameter, enabling attackers to reset passwords by manipulating the user_id value.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Ultimate Member plugin for WordPress
Version: 2.39

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the publicly accessible user_id parameter to intercept and modify password reset requests, leading to unauthorized password modifications.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Ultimate Member plugin to the latest version.
Monitor user accounts for any unauthorized password changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance account security.
Regularly audit and review user privileges to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.