CVE-2018-20838 : Security Advisory and Response

A Stored XSS vulnerability was found in the AMP for WP plugin before version 0.9.97.21 for WordPress, specifically in the function "ampforwp_save_steps_data".

Understanding CVE-2018-20838

This CVE identifies a security issue in the AMP for WP plugin that could allow attackers to execute malicious scripts.

What is CVE-2018-20838?

The vulnerability in the "ampforwp_save_steps_data" function of the AMP for WP plugin before version 0.9.97.21 for WordPress enables stored XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20838

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts on websites using the affected plugin, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20838

The technical aspects of the vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the "ampforwp_save_steps_data" function, allowing for the storage of malicious scripts that can be executed on the website.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: AMP for WP plugin
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: Before 0.9.97.21

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the affected function, which are then stored and executed when the function is called.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-20838, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the AMP for WP plugin to version 0.9.97.21 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor for any suspicious activities on the website.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.
Educate users and administrators about the risks of XSS vulnerabilities and how to recognize and avoid them.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for all plugins and software used on the website.
Apply patches and updates promptly to address known vulnerabilities.