CVE-2020-36666 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2020-36666, titled 'Multiple e-plugins - Subscriber+ Privilege Escalation,' was published by WPScan on March 27, 2023. The vulnerability affects various WordPress plugins sold by the same developer, allowing for privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2020-36666

This CVE identifies a privilege escalation vulnerability in multiple WordPress plugins.

What is CVE-2020-36666?

The vulnerability arises from the lack of security measures in certain AJAX calls within the affected WordPress plugins. This flaw enables unauthorized users to gain admin capabilities.

The Impact of CVE-2020-36666

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized users escalating their privileges to admin level, posing a significant security risk to affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-36666

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the improper handling of AJAX calls in the affected WordPress plugins, allowing unauthorized users to exploit the update_user_meta function and gain admin privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

directory-pro WordPress plugin < 1.9.5
final-user-wp-frontend-user-profiles WordPress plugin < 1.2.2
producer-retailer WordPress plugin <= TODO
photographer-directory WordPress plugin < 1.0.9
real-estate-pro WordPress plugin < 1.7.1
institutions-directory WordPress plugin < 1.3.1
lawyer-directory WordPress plugin < 1.2.9
doctor-listing WordPress plugin < 1.3.6
Hotel Listing WordPress plugin < 1.3.7
fitness-trainer WordPress plugin < 1.4.1
wp-membership WordPress plugin < 1.5.7

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by manipulating AJAX calls to the affected plugins, specifically targeting the update_user_meta function to gain unauthorized admin privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-36666 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable affected plugins immediately if possible.
Monitor for any unauthorized admin activities on the website.
Consider restricting user registration and access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and WordPress core to patch vulnerabilities.
Implement security measures to validate and sanitize user inputs.

Patching and Updates

Update the affected plugins to versions that address the privilege escalation vulnerability.