CVE-2020-28039 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

WordPress before 5.5.2 is affected by CVE-2020-28039, allowing arbitrary file deletion due to improper determination of protected meta keys.

Understanding CVE-2020-28039

This CVE involves a vulnerability in WordPress that could lead to arbitrary file deletion.

What is CVE-2020-28039?

The vulnerability 'is_protected_meta' in WordPress before version 5.5.2 allows for arbitrary file deletion as it fails to accurately identify protected meta keys.

The Impact of CVE-2020-28039

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to delete files due to the lack of proper validation of meta key protection.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-28039

WordPress versions before 5.5.2 are susceptible to this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the 'is_protected_meta' function in wp-includes/meta.php, which does not adequately verify if a meta key is considered protected, enabling unauthorized file deletion.

Affected Systems and Versions

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

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating meta keys to delete files on the WordPress site.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to secure WordPress installations.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WordPress to version 5.5.2 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and audit file changes on the website.
Implement strong access controls to prevent unauthorized file deletions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Stay informed about WordPress security updates and best practices.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing on the website.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.