CVE-2020-4050 : What You Need to Know

WordPress versions prior to 5.4.2 are affected by a vulnerability that allows arbitrary user meta fields to be saved through misuse of the

set-screen-option

filter. This could lead to privilege escalation for low privileged users.

Understanding CVE-2020-4050

In this section, we will delve into the details of the CVE-2020-4050 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2020-4050?

In affected versions of WordPress, a flaw in the

set-screen-option

filter allows for the saving of arbitrary user meta fields. Exploiting this vulnerability requires an admin to install a plugin that misuses the filter, enabling low privileged users to escalate their privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2020-4050

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as low severity with a CVSS base score of 3.5. The attack complexity is high, and it requires low privileges to exploit. The integrity impact is low, and it operates over a network.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-4050

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2020-4050.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the incorrect handling of the

set-screen-option

filter, allowing unauthorized users to save user meta fields.

Affected Systems and Versions

WordPress versions >= 5.4.0 and < 5.4.2
WordPress versions >= 5.3.0 and < 5.3.4
WordPress versions >= 5.2.0 and < 5.2.7
WordPress versions >= 5.1.0 and < 5.1.6
WordPress versions >= 5.0.0 and < 5.0.10
Versions 4.9.0 to 3.7.0 are also affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by installing a plugin that misuses the

set-screen-option

filter, allowing unauthorized users to save user meta fields.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to protect your systems from CVE-2020-4050.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WordPress to version 5.4.2 or the latest release to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid installing plugins from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update WordPress and all installed plugins to the latest versions.
Monitor security advisories from WordPress and apply patches promptly.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all WordPress installations are updated to version 5.4.2 or above to mitigate the CVE-2020-4050 vulnerability.