CVE-2017-18520 : What You Need to Know

The XSS vulnerability in the democracy-poll plugin for WordPress 5.4 and earlier versions can be exploited through the update_l10n function in the admin/class.DemAdminInit.php file.

Understanding CVE-2017-18520

This CVE involves a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the democracy-poll plugin for WordPress.

What is CVE-2017-18520?

The democracy-poll plugin before version 5.4 for WordPress is susceptible to XSS attacks via the update_l10n function in the admin/class.DemAdminInit.php file.

The Impact of CVE-2017-18520

This vulnerability could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-18520

The following technical details provide insight into the nature of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The democracy-poll plugin for WordPress, prior to version 5.4, is vulnerable to XSS attacks through the update_l10n function in the admin/class.DemAdminInit.php file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: democracy-poll plugin
Affected Versions: WordPress 5.4 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious scripts through the update_l10n function, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-18520 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the democracy-poll plugin to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
Consider disabling the plugin if an update is not available or if it is no longer needed.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for plugin updates and security advisories.
Implement web application firewalls and security plugins to mitigate XSS risks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.