CVE-2020-36176 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The iThemes Security (formerly Better WP Security) plugin before 7.7.0 for WordPress does not enforce a new-password requirement for an existing account until the second login occurs.

Understanding CVE-2020-36176

This CVE identifies a security issue in the iThemes Security plugin for WordPress.

What is CVE-2020-36176?

The vulnerability in the iThemes Security plugin allows existing accounts to bypass the new-password requirement until the second login.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36176

This vulnerability could lead to compromised accounts and unauthorized access to sensitive information on WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36176

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The iThemes Security plugin fails to enforce a new-password requirement until the second login, leaving accounts vulnerable.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: iThemes Security (formerly Better WP Security) plugin
Affected Version: Before 7.7.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by logging in with an existing account and bypassing the new-password requirement until the second login.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your WordPress website from CVE-2020-36176 with the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the iThemes Security plugin to version 7.7.0 or newer.
Encourage users to change their passwords regularly.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.
Regularly monitor and audit user account activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the iThemes Security plugin and apply them promptly.