CVE-2019-17670 : What You Need to Know

WordPress prior to version 5.2.4 is vulnerable to Server Side Request Forgery (SSRF) due to mishandling of Windows paths during URL validations.

Understanding CVE-2019-17670

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in older versions of WordPress that could lead to SSRF attacks.

What is CVE-2019-17670?

Server Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in WordPress versions before 5.2.4 allows attackers to manipulate URLs and potentially access internal systems.

The Impact of CVE-2019-17670

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to make the server perform unauthorized requests, potentially leading to data leakage or unauthorized access.
SSRF can be used to bypass security controls and access sensitive information within a network.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-17670

WordPress versions prior to 5.2.4 are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

SSRF vulnerability arises from incorrect handling of Windows paths during URL validation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: WordPress
Product: WordPress
Affected Versions: Versions before 5.2.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft malicious URLs to trick the server into making unintended requests, potentially accessing internal resources.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2019-17670 by following these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WordPress to version 5.2.4 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Implement network controls to restrict outgoing traffic from the server.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit URL requests to detect any suspicious activity.
Educate users on safe URL handling practices to prevent SSRF attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for WordPress and promptly apply patches to mitigate known vulnerabilities.