CVE-2019-17599 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-17599 affecting Quiz And Survey Master plugin for WordPress. Understand the XSS vulnerability, impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
The Quiz And Survey Master plugin for WordPress versions prior to 6.3.5 is vulnerable to Cross Site Scripting (XSS) through specific parameters, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code.
Understanding CVE-2019-17599
This CVE identifies a security flaw in the Quiz And Survey Master plugin for WordPress, enabling attackers to perform Cross Site Scripting attacks.
What is CVE-2019-17599?
The vulnerability in the Quiz And Survey Master plugin allows malicious actors to execute HTML and JavaScript code via certain parameters, posing a risk to WordPress websites.
The Impact of CVE-2019-17599
The vulnerability permits attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code through specific plugin parameters, potentially compromising the security and integrity of affected WordPress sites.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-17599
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in the Quiz And Survey Master plugin allows for Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the "from" or "till" parameter, as well as the "quiz_id" parameter, specifically in the "admin/quiz-options-page.php" component.
Affected Systems and Versions
- The Quiz And Survey Master plugin for WordPress versions prior to 6.3.5
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack vector: When the Administrator is logged in, a reflected XSS attack can be initiated through a manipulative URL.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-17599 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the Quiz And Survey Master plugin to version 6.3.5 or newer.
- Monitor and restrict user inputs to prevent malicious code injection.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update all plugins and themes to the latest versions.
- Implement security plugins or firewalls to detect and block XSS attacks.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security patches and updates for WordPress plugins and themes to address vulnerabilities promptly.