CVE-2019-9787 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2019-9787, a vulnerability in WordPress versions prior to 5.1.1 allowing remote code execution. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation details, and mitigation steps.
WordPress versions prior to 5.1.1 have a vulnerability that allows unauthenticated users to execute remote code, leading to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks and potential administrative access.
Understanding CVE-2019-9787
This CVE relates to a security flaw in WordPress versions before 5.1.1 that could be exploited by attackers to execute remote code and gain unauthorized access.
What is CVE-2019-9787?
The comment content in WordPress versions prior to 5.1.1 is not adequately filtered, enabling unauthenticated users to execute remote code. This vulnerability arises due to mishandled CSRF protection and incorrect Search Engine Optimization (SEO) of A elements, resulting in XSS attacks. Exploiting the XSS can lead to administrative access and unauthorized modifications to .php files.
The Impact of CVE-2019-9787
The vulnerability allows attackers to execute remote code on a default WordPress setup, potentially leading to unauthorized administrative access and malicious modifications to files.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-9787
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
WordPress before 5.1.1 fails to properly filter comment content, allowing unauthenticated users to execute remote code. The issue stems from mishandled CSRF protection and incorrect SEO of A elements, leading to XSS and subsequent administrative access.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected: WordPress versions prior to 5.1.1
- Not affected: N/A
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited due to inadequate filtering of comment content, mishandled CSRF protection, and incorrect SEO of A elements, resulting in XSS attacks and potential remote code execution.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-9787 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update WordPress to version 5.1.1 or later to patch the vulnerability.
- Monitor for any unauthorized access or modifications to .php files.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update WordPress and plugins to the latest versions.
- Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.