CVE-2019-16931 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The Visualizer plugin 3.3.0 for WordPress has a vulnerability that allows unauthorized JavaScript execution by attackers without authentication.

Understanding CVE-2019-16931

This CVE involves a stored XSS vulnerability in the Visualizer plugin for WordPress, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript when editing a chart through the admin dashboard.

What is CVE-2019-16931?

The vulnerability in the Visualizer plugin 3.3.0 for WordPress permits unauthenticated attackers to run unauthorized JavaScript code when privileged users edit charts via the admin dashboard. The issue stems from the lack of access control in the registration of wp-json/visualizer/v1/update-chart and the absence of output sanitization.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16931

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the affected WordPress site. This could result in data theft, unauthorized access, or other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16931

The following technical details outline the specifics of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Visualizer plugin 3.3.0 for WordPress enables attackers to execute unauthorized JavaScript due to the lack of access control and output sanitization in specific plugin files.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Visualizer plugin 3.3.0 for WordPress
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers when editing charts through the WordPress admin dashboard, allowing them to inject and execute malicious JavaScript code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16931 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the Visualizer plugin if not essential for operations.
Implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms on the WordPress admin dashboard.
Regularly monitor and audit plugins for security vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Stay informed about security updates and patches for WordPress plugins.
Educate users and administrators about the risks of XSS vulnerabilities and best practices for secure plugin usage.

Patching and Updates

Update the Visualizer plugin to the latest secure version.
Apply security patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.