CVE-2019-20209 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-20209 affecting CTHthemes CityBook, TownHub, and EasyBook themes, allowing unauthorized deletion of content in WordPress. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures.
The CTHthemes CityBook, TownHub, and EasyBook WordPress themes have a vulnerability allowing insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) through wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, enabling unauthorized deletion of pages, posts, or listings.
Understanding CVE-2019-20209
This CVE identifies a security flaw in specific WordPress themes that can lead to unauthorized data deletion.
What is CVE-2019-20209?
The vulnerability in CityBook, TownHub, and EasyBook themes allows attackers to exploit IDOR via wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, resulting in the deletion of various content within the WordPress site.
The Impact of CVE-2019-20209
The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables malicious actors to delete essential content on affected WordPress websites, potentially causing data loss and disruption.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-20209
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in CTHthemes CityBook versions before 2.3.4, TownHub versions before 1.0.6, and EasyBook versions before 1.2.2 allows for insecure IDOR via wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, leading to unauthorized deletion of pages, posts, or listings.
Affected Systems and Versions
- CTHthemes CityBook versions prior to 2.3.4
- TownHub versions prior to 1.0.6
- EasyBook versions prior to 1.2.2
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers exploit the vulnerability by manipulating wp-admin/admin-ajax.php to perform unauthorized deletions of pages, posts, or listings within the WordPress themes.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the affected themes to the latest versions that contain security patches.
- Monitor and review any unauthorized deletions of content within the WordPress site.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update themes and plugins to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
- Implement access controls and user permissions to restrict unauthorized actions.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by theme developers promptly to address the vulnerability and enhance the security of the WordPress themes.