CVE-2019-17673 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress versions prior to 5.2.4 are vulnerable to cache poisoning in JSON GET requests due to the absence of a Vary: Origin header.

Understanding CVE-2019-17673

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in WordPress versions before 5.2.4 that can lead to cache poisoning in certain JSON GET requests.

What is CVE-2019-17673?

WordPress versions prior to 5.2.4 are susceptible to cache poisoning as a result of missing Vary: Origin headers in specific requests.

The Impact of CVE-2019-17673

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to manipulate the cache of JSON GET requests, potentially leading to security breaches or unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-17673

WordPress before version 5.2.4 is at risk of cache poisoning in JSON GET requests due to the absence of Vary: Origin headers.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from certain requests lacking the necessary Vary: Origin header, making them vulnerable to cache poisoning.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WordPress
Vendor: WordPress
Versions: All versions before 5.2.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating JSON GET requests to poison the cache and potentially compromise the security of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-17673, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WordPress to version 5.2.4 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and review JSON GET requests for any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a robust security policy for handling cache mechanisms.
Regularly audit and update security configurations to prevent cache poisoning attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by WordPress promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.