CVE-2019-9646 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The Contact Form Email plugin, with a version earlier than 1.2.66, has a vulnerability in the WordPress platform that enables cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through the wp-admin/admin.php item. This vulnerability is specifically associated with the cp_admin_int_edition.inc.php file within the 'custom edition area.'

Understanding CVE-2019-9646

This CVE entry describes a specific vulnerability in the Contact Form Email plugin for WordPress that allows for XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2019-9646?

The CVE-2019-9646 vulnerability is related to the Contact Form Email plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.2.66. It allows malicious actors to execute cross-site scripting attacks through a particular file in the 'custom edition area.'

The Impact of CVE-2019-9646

This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-9646

The technical aspects of the CVE-2019-9646 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The Contact Form Email plugin before version 1.2.66 for WordPress allows XSS attacks through the wp-admin/admin.php item, specifically related to the cp_admin_int_edition.inc.php file in the 'custom edition area.'

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Contact Form Email plugin
Affected Version: < 1.2.66

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious scripts into the affected file, leading to the execution of unauthorized code on the target system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-9646 and enhance security, the following steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Contact Form Email plugin to version 1.2.66 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates from the plugin developer.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement web application firewalls to filter and block malicious traffic.
Educate users and administrators about the risks of XSS attacks and best practices for secure coding.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to all WordPress plugins and themes to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.