CVE-2019-16521 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-16521 affecting the Broken Link Checker plugin in WordPress. Find out how to mitigate the Reflected XSS vulnerability and protect your website.
The Broken Link Checker plugin in WordPress version 1.11.8 is vulnerable to Reflected XSS attacks due to improper encoding of HTTP GET parameters.
Understanding CVE-2019-16521
The vulnerability in the Broken Link Checker plugin allows for the injection of XSS payloads through specific HTTP requests.
What is CVE-2019-16521?
The Broken Link Checker plugin in WordPress, up to version 1.11.8, is susceptible to Reflected XSS attacks caused by incorrect encoding and insertion of HTTP GET parameters into HTML.
The Impact of CVE-2019-16521
- Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious XSS payloads into the s_filter GET parameter in a filter_id=search request.
- The product has reached its end-of-life status, indicating no further updates or support.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-16521
The technical aspects of the vulnerability provide insight into its exploitation and affected systems.
Vulnerability Description
- The vulnerability arises from improper encoding and insertion of HTTP GET parameters into HTML.
- Exploitation occurs by injecting an XSS payload into the s_filter GET parameter in a filter_id=search request.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Broken Link Checker plugin
- Version: <= 1.11.8
Exploitation Mechanism
- Injection of XSS payload into the s_filter GET parameter in a filter_id=search request.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16521 involves immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Disable or uninstall the vulnerable plugin.
- Regularly monitor for any unusual activities on the website.
- Implement strict input validation to prevent XSS attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Keep all software and plugins updated to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Educate users on safe browsing habits and potential risks of XSS attacks.
Patching and Updates
- As the product has reached its end-of-life status, consider finding alternative plugins or solutions to replace the Broken Link Checker plugin.