CVE-2020-35590 : What You Need to Know

LimitLoginAttempts.php in the limit-login-attempts-reloaded plugin before 2.17.4 for WordPress allows a bypass of rate limits, posing a security risk.

Understanding CVE-2020-35590

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the limit-login-attempts-reloaded plugin for WordPress, enabling a malicious user to bypass rate limits.

What is CVE-2020-35590?

The vulnerability in the limit-login-attempts-reloaded plugin allows attackers to forge the X-Forwarded-For header, evading IP-based rate limits and enabling brute force attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-35590

The security flaw permits malicious users to perform brute force attacks without restriction, compromising the integrity of login processes on WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-35590

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in LimitLoginAttempts.php allows attackers to bypass IP-based rate limits by manipulating the X-Forwarded-For header, facilitating unauthorized login attempts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Plugin: limit-login-attempts-reloaded
Versions affected: Before 2.17.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can forge the X-Forwarded-For header to evade IP-based rate limits.
By randomizing the header input, attackers can perform unlimited login retries.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-35590 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the limit-login-attempts-reloaded plugin to version 2.17.4 or newer.
Implement IP-based rate limiting at the server level to supplement plugin security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor login attempts and implement account lockout policies.
Educate users on strong password practices and enable multi-factor authentication.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to mitigate vulnerabilities and enhance system security.