CVE-2020-28978 : Security Advisory and Response

The Canto plugin 1.3.0 for WordPress has a blind SSRF vulnerability that allows an unauthenticated attacker to send requests to internal and external servers.

Understanding CVE-2020-28978

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in the Canto plugin 1.3.0 for WordPress that enables attackers to perform Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks.

What is CVE-2020-28978?

The Canto plugin 1.3.0 for WordPress contains a blind SSRF vulnerability that permits unauthenticated attackers to make requests to any internal and external server through the /includes/lib/tree.php?subdomain=SSRF endpoint.

The Impact of CVE-2020-28978

This vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to bypass security restrictions and potentially access sensitive information or perform further attacks on the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-28978

The following technical details outline the specifics of CVE-2020-28978:

Vulnerability Description

The Canto plugin 1.3.0 for WordPress is susceptible to blind SSRF attacks, allowing unauthorized users to send arbitrary requests to various servers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Canto plugin 1.3.0 for WordPress
Vendor: Canto
Version: 1.3.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests to the /includes/lib/tree.php?subdomain=SSRF endpoint, enabling them to interact with internal and external servers.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-28978 and enhance system security, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the vulnerable Canto plugin 1.3.0 from WordPress installations.
Implement network controls to restrict access to the affected endpoint.
Regularly monitor server logs for suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about SSRF attacks and best security practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Canto for the plugin.
Apply patches promptly to ensure the plugin is up-to-date and secure.