CVE-2019-20043 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-20043 affecting WordPress versions 3.7 to 5.3.0, allowing unauthorized users to mark posts as sticky or unsticky. Find mitigation steps and the importance of updating to version 5.3.1.
WordPress versions prior to 5.3.1 were affected by a vulnerability in the class-wp-rest-posts-controller.php file, allowing authenticated users without publishing permissions to mark posts as sticky or unsticky via the REST API.
Understanding CVE-2019-20043
This CVE highlights a security issue in WordPress versions 3.7 to 5.3.0 that enabled users with limited permissions to bypass restrictions and perform unauthorized actions.
What is CVE-2019-20043?
The vulnerability in the WordPress REST API endpoint class-wp-rest-posts-controller.php allowed users with roles like contributor, lacking post publishing rights, to mark posts as sticky or unsticky.
The Impact of CVE-2019-20043
The security flaw permitted unauthorized users to manipulate post status, potentially disrupting content management and integrity on affected WordPress sites.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-20043
WordPress versions 3.7 to 5.3.0 were susceptible to this vulnerability, which was addressed in version 5.3.1 through a patch.
Vulnerability Description
The issue allowed authenticated users with restricted permissions to perform actions they were not authorized to do, compromising the integrity of the content management system.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Systems: WordPress versions 3.7 to 5.3.0
- Unaffected Systems: WordPress version 5.3.1 and above
Exploitation Mechanism
Users with roles like contributor, lacking post publishing rights, could exploit the vulnerability to mark posts as sticky or unsticky via the REST API.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2019-20043 and enhance security, follow these steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update WordPress to version 5.3.1 or later to apply the necessary patch.
- Review user roles and permissions to ensure proper access control.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor and update WordPress core, themes, and plugins to mitigate future vulnerabilities.
- Educate users on security best practices to prevent unauthorized actions.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to protect WordPress installations.