iThemes Sync <= 2.0.17 - Authentication Bypass
Strategic Overview
- Status
- Patched in 2.0.18
- Affected Version
< 2.0.18- CVSS
- 9.8Critical
- Weakness type
- CWE-286 · Incorrect User Management
- CVE
CVE pending
At a glance
This record tracks a critical-severity Incorrect User Management vulnerability in the Kadence Central WordPress plugin, affecting versions < 2.0.18. It carries a CVSS score of 9.8 (reachable over the network; low attack complexity; high confidentiality, integrity, availability impact). Exploitation requires no authentication. The issue is fixed in version 2.0.18; sites on affected versions should update now. Disclosed October 2019.
Vulnerability Overview
The iThemes Sync plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass due to a missing validation on the secure key in versions up to, and including, 2.0.17. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to add their own secure key leading to a complete compromise of the affected website.
Technical Analysis
The vector marks this flaw as remotely reachable over the network, with low attack complexity — no special timing or configuration is needed, and no privileges on the target site, and no interaction from a victim user. A successful exploit has high impact on confidentiality, integrity, availability — full site compromise territory.
CWE-286: Incorrect User Management
The product does not properly manage a user within its environment.
Remediation
Update to version 2.0.18, or a newer patched version
How does WordSec protect against this?
The fix is the thing that ends this: Kadence Central 2.0.18 closes this, and updating the plugin is the step that ends it.
- Alerts
External References
Related records
Other vulnerabilities in Kadence Central – Site Management, Backups, Security, and Reporting
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