CVE-2019-12934 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability has been identified in the wp-code-highlightjs plugin up to version 0.6.2 for WordPress, allowing for CSRF attacks and XSS payload injection.

Understanding CVE-2019-12934

This CVE involves a security issue in the wp-code-highlightjs plugin for WordPress, potentially leading to CSRF attacks and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.

What is CVE-2019-12934?

CVE-2019-12934 is a vulnerability found in the wp-code-highlightjs plugin up to version 0.6.2 for WordPress. The specific file wp-admin/options-general.php?page=wp-code-highlight-js is susceptible to CSRF attacks, which can be exploited by injecting an XSS payload into the hljs_additional_css parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12934

The vulnerability could allow malicious actors to perform CSRF attacks and inject harmful XSS payloads, compromising the security and integrity of WordPress websites utilizing the vulnerable plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12934

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The wp-code-highlightjs plugin up to version 0.6.2 for WordPress is vulnerable to CSRF attacks due to inadequate input validation, enabling the injection of XSS payloads through the hljs_additional_css parameter.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems using the wp-code-highlightjs plugin up to version 0.6.2 for WordPress

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious XSS payloads into the hljs_additional_css parameter of the wp-admin/options-general.php?page=wp-code-highlight-js file.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-12934 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the wp-code-highlightjs plugin to the latest secure version
Implement strict input validation mechanisms to prevent CSRF and XSS attacks
Monitor and filter user inputs to detect and block malicious payloads

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update plugins and themes to address security vulnerabilities
Educate users and administrators about safe coding practices and security best practices
Employ web application firewalls and security plugins to enhance website security

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the plugin developer to address the CSRF and XSS vulnerabilities in the wp-code-highlightjs plugin.