WordPress 2.6.2 has been released for download. This is an important security update for any WordPress sites that allow open registration. From the WordPress development blog:
With open registration enabled, it is possible in WordPress versions 2.6.1 and earlier to craft a username such that it will allow resetting another user’s password to a randomly generated password. The randomly generated password is not disclosed to the attacker, so this problem by itself is annoying but not a security exploit. However, this attack coupled with a weakness in the random number seeding in mt_rand() could be used to predict the randomly generated password.
This release also includes some other bug fixes outlined here.
How to update your WordPress blog
If you’re not sure how to update your WordPress blog then check out my recent post The pros and cons of WordPress upgrades.
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that seems like a very strange security hole to me. Creating a username that resets the password of another user. wtf!?
It sure is creative. The big risk is when its coupled with the other flaw, allowing the attacker a shot at predicting the new password. That can lead to account compromise.