CVE-2017-5491 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress before version 4.7.1 is vulnerable to a potential exploit in wp-mail.php that could be abused by remote attackers to bypass posting restrictions.

Understanding CVE-2017-5491

In January 2017, CVE-2017-5491 was published to address a security vulnerability in WordPress versions prior to 4.7.1.

What is CVE-2017-5491?

This CVE identifies a flaw in wp-mail.php in WordPress before version 4.7.1 that could be exploited by malicious actors to circumvent intended posting limitations by utilizing a mail server with a forged identity.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5491

The exploitation of this vulnerability could enable remote attackers to bypass posting restrictions, potentially leading to unauthorized content posting on affected WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5491

WordPress CVE-2017-5491 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in wp-mail.php allows remote attackers to bypass posting restrictions by using a spoofed mail server with a specific name.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: WordPress
Vulnerable Versions: Versions prior to 4.7.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging a mail server with a forged identity, such as mail.example.com, to post content on WordPress sites.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-5491 and enhance security measures, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WordPress to version 4.7.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized content posting on WordPress sites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update WordPress and plugins to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement email server authentication mechanisms to prevent spoofing attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to WordPress installations to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.