CVE-2020-9371 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-9371, a Stored XSS vulnerability in the Appointment Booking Calendar plugin for WordPress before 1.3.35. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation method, and mitigation steps.
A Stored XSS vulnerability exists in the Appointment Booking Calendar plugin before version 1.3.35 for WordPress, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML code.
Understanding CVE-2020-9371
This CVE involves a security issue in the Appointment Booking Calendar plugin for WordPress.
What is CVE-2020-9371?
This CVE identifies a Stored XSS vulnerability in the Appointment Booking Calendar plugin before version 1.3.35 for WordPress. The flaw exists in the cpabc_appointments.php file, enabling attackers to insert arbitrary JavaScript or HTML.
The Impact of CVE-2020-9371
The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to execute unauthorized scripts or inject harmful content into the affected WordPress websites.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-9371
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows attackers to perform Stored XSS attacks by manipulating the Calendar Name input field in the plugin.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Appointment Booking Calendar plugin
- Vendor: N/A
- Versions affected: All versions before 1.3.35
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious JavaScript or HTML code into the Calendar Name input field, potentially compromising the security of WordPress websites.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-9371 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update the Appointment Booking Calendar plugin to version 1.3.35 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor website activity for any signs of unauthorized access or malicious scripts.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update all plugins and themes to the 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 address potential security risks.