CVE-2019-14216 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress plugin svg-vector-icon-plugin (WP SVG Icons) version 3.2.1 is vulnerable to a CSRF attack allowing the upload of malicious files.

Understanding CVE-2019-14216

This CVE identifies a security flaw in the WP SVG Icons plugin for WordPress that enables attackers to execute remote code by uploading a malicious ZIP archive.

What is CVE-2019-14216?

This vulnerability in the svg-vector-icon-plugin for WordPress version 3.2.1 allows for Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks, leading to the upload of a ZIP archive containing a .php file.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14216

The vulnerability permits attackers to upload malicious files, potentially resulting in remote code execution on the affected WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14216

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The mishandling of Custom Icon uploads on the wp-admin/admin.php?page=wp-svg-icons-custom-set page is the root cause of this vulnerability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: svg-vector-icon-plugin (WP SVG Icons)
Version: 3.2.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to perform CSRF attacks, enabling them to upload a ZIP archive containing a .php file.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-14216, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable plugin immediately.
Monitor for any unauthorized file uploads or changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins and themes to their latest versions.
Implement strong file upload validation mechanisms to prevent malicious uploads.

Patching and Updates

Check for any available patches or updates for the WP SVG Icons plugin.
Stay informed about security best practices and vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins.