CVE-2020-36172 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The Advanced Custom Fields plugin for WordPress before version 5.8.12 is susceptible to a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability due to mishandling of string escaping in Select2 dropdowns.

Understanding CVE-2020-36172

This CVE entry describes a security issue in the Advanced Custom Fields plugin for WordPress that could potentially lead to XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2020-36172?

The vulnerability in the Advanced Custom Fields plugin allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, posing a risk of sensitive data exposure or unauthorized actions.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36172

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to sensitive information, manipulation of content, or other malicious activities on affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36172

The technical aspects of the CVE-2020-36172 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from improper handling of string escaping in Select2 dropdowns within the plugin, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Advanced Custom Fields plugin
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: Before 5.8.12

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input that, when processed by the plugin, executes arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the user's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-36172 and enhance overall security, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Advanced Custom Fields plugin to version 5.8.12 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor website activity for any signs of unauthorized access or malicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all plugins and themes to their latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks on web applications.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates for all WordPress plugins and themes to protect against potential security risks.