CVE-2020-35438 : Security Advisory and Response

A Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the kk Star Ratings plugin before version 4.1.5.

Understanding CVE-2020-35438

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in the kk Star Ratings plugin that could allow for Cross Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2020-35438?

CVE-2020-35438 is a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in versions of the kk Star Ratings plugin prior to 4.1.5.

The Impact of CVE-2020-35438

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-35438

The technical aspects of this CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

Type: Cross Site Scripting (XSS)
Plugin affected: kk Star Ratings
Versions affected: Before 4.1.5

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can inject and execute malicious scripts through the vulnerable plugin, exploiting user interactions on affected websites.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2020-35438.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the kk Star Ratings plugin to version 4.1.5 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates from the plugin vendor.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing on web applications to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to all plugins and software components to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.