WordPress: Denial of service - Remote/unauthenticated

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                         AUSCERT Security Bulletin

                               ASB-2009.1112
                    WordPress 2.8.5: Hardening Release
                              22 October 2009

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        AusCERT Security Bulletin Summary
        ---------------------------------

Product:              WordPress
Operating System:     Windows
                      UNIX variants (UNIX, Linux, OSX)
Impact/Access:        Denial of Service -- Remote/Unauthenticated
Resolution:           Patch/Upgrade
Member content until: Saturday, November 21 2009

OVERVIEW

        WordPress has released an update to address a denial of service
        vulnerability as well as hardening components of the product.


IMPACT

        WordPress states that 2.8.5 includes:
        
        "A fix for the Trackback Denial-of-Service attack that is currently
        being seen." [1]
        
        In addition steps to remove potential points of future exploitation
        have been taken:
        
        "- Removal of areas within the code where php code in variables was
           evaluated.
         - Switched the file upload functionality to be whitelisted for all
           users including Admins
         - Retiring of the two importers of Tag data from old plugins." [1]


MITIGATION

        WordPress 2.8.5 can be downloaded from the WordPress website. [2]
        
        It is expected that platforms that package WordPress will be releasing
        updated versions shortly.


REFERENCES

        [1] WordPress 2.8.5: Hardening Release
            http://wordpress.org/development/2009/10/wordpress-2-8-5-hardening-release/

        [2] WordPress Download
            http://wordpress.org/download/

AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate.  However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.

If you believe that your computer system has been compromised or attacked in 
any way, we encourage you to let us know by completing the secure National IT 
Incident Reporting Form at:

        http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3192

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Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile:      (07) 3365 7031
Telephone:      (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
                AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours 
                which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
                On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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