Vulnerability identifier: #VU20887

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 5.3 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-16222

CWE-ID: CWE-79

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
WordPress
Web applications / CMS

Vendor: WordPress.ORG

Description

The disclosed vulnerability allows a remote attacker to perform cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

The vulnerability exists due to insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data when processing URL in "wp_kses_bad_protocol_once" in "wp-includes/kses.php". A remote attacker can trick the victim to follow a specially crafted link and execute arbitrary HTML and script code in user's browser in context of vulnerable website.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may allow a remote attacker to steal potentially sensitive information, change appearance of the web page, perform phishing and drive-by-download attacks.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

WordPress: 5.2.2

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External links
http://wordpress.org/news/2019/09/wordpress-5-2-3-security-and-maintenance-release/
http://github.com/WordPress/WordPress/commit/30ac67579559fe42251b5a9f887211bf61a8ed68
http://core.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/45997

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.