#VU48039 Improper access control in WordPress - CVE-2020-28039

Vulnerability identifier: #VU48039

Vulnerability risk: Medium

CVSSv4.0: 4.6 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:A/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Green]

CVE-ID: CVE-2020-28039

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 delete arbitrary files.

The vulnerability exists due to improper access restrictions in is_protected_meta in wp-includes/meta.php. A remote attacker can bypass implemented security restrictions and delete arbitrary files.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

WordPress: 5.5 - 5.5.1

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External links
https://wordpress.org/news/2020/10/wordpress-5-5-2-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 non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

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