CVE-2018-6466 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The flickrRSS plugin 5.3.1 for WordPress has a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML.

Understanding CVE-2018-6466

This CVE involves a security issue in the flickrRSS plugin for WordPress that can be exploited by attackers to execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2018-6466?

The vulnerability in the flickrRSS plugin 5.3.1 for WordPress enables attackers to inject malicious web script or HTML by manipulating a specific parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2018-6466

This vulnerability can be exploited remotely, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or other malicious activities on affected WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-6466

The technical aspects of the CVE-2018-6466 vulnerability are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw exists in the flickrRSS.php file of the plugin, allowing attackers to inject malicious code via the flickrRSS_set parameter in a specific file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: flickrRSS plugin 5.3.1 for WordPress
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the flickrRSS_set parameter in the wp-admin/options-general.php file of the affected plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-6466, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or remove the flickrRSS plugin from affected WordPress installations.
Implement web application firewalls to filter and block malicious input.
Regularly monitor and audit web application logs for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Keep all software, including plugins and themes, up to date to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about safe coding practices and the risks of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Check for security patches or updates from the plugin developer to address the XSS vulnerability.