CVE-2019-11591 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WebDorado Contact Form plugin for WordPress prior to version 1.13.5 is vulnerable to CSRF attacks through the action parameter in wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, leading to local file inclusion via directory traversal.

Understanding CVE-2019-11591

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in the WebDorado Contact Form plugin for WordPress versions before 1.13.5.

What is CVE-2019-11591?

The vulnerability allows for CSRF attacks through the action parameter in wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, potentially resulting in local file inclusion via directory traversal due to unsanitized values.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11591

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to include local files through directory traversal, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data leakage.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11591

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

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from a discrepancy between the values of $_POST['action'] and $_GET['action'], with the latter being unsanitized, enabling CSRF attacks and local file inclusion.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WebDorado Contact Form plugin
Vendor: WebDorado
Versions affected: Prior to 1.13.5

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited through the action parameter in wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, allowing attackers to manipulate unsanitized values to perform CSRF attacks and achieve local file inclusion.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-11591 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the WebDorado Contact Form plugin to version 1.13.5 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement proper input sanitization to handle the action parameter securely.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update plugins and software to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by plugin developers.
Apply patches and updates promptly to ensure the security of WordPress installations.