CVE-2020-28033 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress before 5.5.2 mishandles embeds from disabled sites on a multisite network, allowing a spam embed.

Understanding CVE-2020-28033

This CVE involves a vulnerability in WordPress that affects its handling of embeds from disabled sites on a multisite network.

What is CVE-2020-28033?

WordPress versions prior to 5.5.2 are susceptible to a security issue where disabled sites on a multisite network can still embed spam content.

The Impact of CVE-2020-28033

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to inject malicious content into websites, potentially leading to spam campaigns or other forms of cyber threats.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-28033

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

WordPress before version 5.5.2 fails to properly handle embeds from disabled sites on a multisite network, enabling the insertion of spam embeds.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: WordPress
Vendor: WordPress
Versions Affected: All versions before 5.5.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the improper handling of embeds from disabled sites to inject spam content into websites within a multisite network.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-28033 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WordPress to version 5.5.2 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor websites for any suspicious activity or unauthorized content.
Consider implementing web application firewalls to filter out malicious embeds.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update WordPress and all plugins to the latest versions.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate website administrators on best security practices to prevent future exploits.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by WordPress to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.