#VU23574 Improper access control in WordPress - CVE-2019-20043

Vulnerability identifier: #VU23574

Vulnerability risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.3 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2019-20043

CWE-ID: CWE-284

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
WordPress
Web applications / CMS

Vendor: WordPress.ORG

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to gain unauthorized access to otherwise restricted functionality.

The vulnerability exists due to improper access restrictions in wp-includes/rest-api/endpoints/class-wp-rest-posts-controller.php. A remote authenticated attacker can bypass implemented security restrictions and make a post sticky via the REST API.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

WordPress: 4.5 - 4.5.19, 4.6 - 4.6.16, 4.7 - 4.7.15, 4.8 - 4.8.11, 4.9 - 4.9.12, 5.0 - 5.0.7, 5.1 - 5.1.3, 5.2 - 5.2.4, 5.3

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External links
https://wordpress.org/news/2019/12/wordpress-5-3-1-security-and-maintenance-release/

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote authenticated user via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

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