CVE Alert: CVE-2020-36853 – 10web – 10Web Map Builder for Google Maps

Risk verdict

High risk: unauthenticated stored cross-site scripting could be triggered remotely and execute in visitors’ browsers if left unpatched; patch promptly.

Why this matters

An attacker could inject scripts that run in any user’s session, enabling defacement, cookie theft or session hijacking, and potentially broader site compromise. With no user interaction required, automated exploitation campaigns are feasible against publicly reachable sites.

Most likely attack path

• Network-accessible vector requiring no authentication (PR:N, UI:N).
• Exploitation hinges on insufficient input sanitisation and missing capability checks in the vulnerable settings handler.
• Due to scope-change implications, the stored payload could affect pages beyond the immediate plugin area, enabling script execution for any user loading an injected page.

Who is most exposed

WordPress sites that directly deploy the affected plugin, especially those with public-facing maps content and weaker access controls (common in shared hosting or managed WordPress environments).

Detection ideas

• Alerts for new or unusual inline script content on pages served to visitors.
• Logs showing suspicious activity targeting plugin settings or settings-change endpoints.
• Repeated or unusual payload-like input in settings forms.
• WAF/IPS signals for stored XSS payloads or common XSS vectors in page output.
• User reports of unexpected browser behaviour after visiting pages.

Mitigation and prioritisation

• Apply the vendor patch to the fixed version (or remove the plugin if not needed).
• Enforce strict input validation, output escaping, and correct permission checks around the settings UI.
• Implement a web application firewall rule set to block common XSS patterns; enable a strong Content Security Policy.
• Schedule patching in the next maintenance window with testing in a staging environment.
• Review asset inventory and monitor for attempted exploit indicators; consider compensating controls for public-facing map content.