CVE-2019-14793 : Security Advisory and Response

The Meta Box plugin for WordPress prior to version 4.16.3 is vulnerable to file deletion via ajax, allowing attackers to delete files by manipulating the attachment ID parameter.

Understanding CVE-2019-14793

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in the Meta Box plugin for WordPress that enables unauthorized file deletion.

What is CVE-2019-14793?

The vulnerability in the Meta Box plugin for WordPress allows malicious actors to delete files by specifying the attachment ID parameter as wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=rwmb_delete_file.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14793

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized deletion of files, potentially causing data loss or disruption of website functionality.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14793

The technical aspects of the CVE-2019-14793 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The Meta Box plugin before version 4.16.3 for WordPress allows file deletion via ajax, with the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=rwmb_delete_file attachment_id parameter.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Meta Box plugin
Versions Affected: Prior to 4.16.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the attachment ID parameter in the specified manner.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-14793 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Meta Box plugin to version 4.16.3 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor file deletion activities and access logs for any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins and themes to the latest versions to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and user permissions to restrict file deletion capabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates for the Meta Box plugin and other WordPress components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.