CVE-2019-15873 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the CVE-2019-15873 vulnerability in the profilegrid-user-profiles-groups-and-communities plugin for WordPress, allowing remote code execution. Learn about impacts, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
The profilegrid-user-profiles-groups-and-communities plugin for WordPress version up to 2.8.6 allows remote code execution through a request to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with specific parameters.
Understanding CVE-2019-15873
This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the profilegrid-user-profiles-groups-and-communities plugin for WordPress that enables remote code execution.
What is CVE-2019-15873?
The vulnerability in the plugin allows attackers to execute remote code by manipulating certain parameters in a request to a specific file.
The Impact of CVE-2019-15873
Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized remote code execution on the affected WordPress site, potentially compromising its security and integrity.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-15873
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises in the plugin before version 2.8.6 for WordPress, where a specific request to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with particular parameters can be exploited to execute remote code.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: profilegrid-user-profiles-groups-and-communities plugin
- Versions affected: Up to version 2.8.6
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a request to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php with the action parameter set to pm_template_preview and the html parameter starting with <?php followed by PHP code.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the profilegrid-user-profiles-groups-and-communities plugin to version 2.8.6 or newer.
- Monitor and restrict access to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php to trusted entities.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update all plugins and themes on WordPress sites.
- Implement strong access controls and regularly audit for vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates for all WordPress plugins and themes to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.