Description Preview
WordPress through version 4.9.6 is vulnerable to a security issue that allows Author users to execute arbitrary code by exploiting a directory traversal vulnerability in the wp-admin/post.php thumb parameter. This vulnerability can be abused to delete the wp-config.php file, which contains sensitive configuration information. The issue stems from missing filename validation in the wp-includes/post.php wp_delete_attachment function. An attacker with capabilities normally available to Author, Editor, or Administrator roles can exploit this vulnerability to delete wp-config.php and potentially escalate their privileges by launching a new installation process.
Overview
This CVE affects WordPress versions up to 4.9.6 and allows Author users to execute arbitrary code through directory traversal in the thumb parameter of wp-admin/post.php. The vulnerability arises from a lack of filename validation in the wp_delete_attachment function, enabling the deletion of wp-config.php.
Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, users should update their WordPress installations to a version beyond 4.9.6. Additionally, it is recommended to review and restrict user capabilities to prevent unauthorized access and exploitation of this vulnerability.
References
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- ConstructionConstruction
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
