CVE-2019-10864 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

WordPress WP Statistics plugin up to version 12.6.2 is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML.

Understanding CVE-2019-10864

This CVE entry describes a security vulnerability in the WP Statistics plugin for WordPress that could be exploited by attackers to execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2019-10864?

The WP Statistics plugin for WordPress, up to version 12.6.2, contains a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability. This flaw enables a remote attacker to inject their own web script or HTML by utilizing the Referer header in a GET request.

The Impact of CVE-2019-10864

This vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts or HTML code on the target website, potentially leading to various attacks such as data theft, defacement, or phishing.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-10864

The technical aspects of the CVE-2019-10864 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The WP Statistics plugin through version 12.6.2 for WordPress is susceptible to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, enabling remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML code via the Referer header in a GET request.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: WP Statistics plugin
Affected Versions: Up to 12.6.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the Referer header of GET requests, allowing attackers to insert and execute malicious scripts or HTML code on the target WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-10864 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WP Statistics plugin to the latest patched version.
Implement web application firewalls to filter and block malicious requests.
Regularly monitor and audit web traffic for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to all WordPress plugins and themes to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall security.