CVE-2005-1102 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in template-functions-post.php in WordPress 1.5 and earlier allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via the (1) content or (2) title of the post.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/05/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-1102 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting WordPress versions 1.5 and earlier, specifically within the template-functions-post.php file. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting and demonstrates a fundamental failure in input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the content management system. The flaw enables remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited across multiple user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied content in the post title and content fields. When WordPress processes posts through template-functions-post.php, it fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. Attackers can craft malicious payloads in either the post title or content fields that, when rendered by the web application, execute unintended commands within the browser context of unsuspecting users. This particular flaw operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard HTTP requests without requiring authentication or special privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-1102 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, defacement of web content, and potential data exfiltration. When users view compromised posts, their browsers execute the injected malicious scripts, which can steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or modify content in real-time. This vulnerability directly maps to the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1059.001 for command and control through script injection. The widespread adoption of WordPress 1.5 at the time of discovery meant that this vulnerability could potentially affect numerous websites, amplifying its impact across the web ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected WordPress installations to versions that implement proper input sanitization and output encoding. System administrators should ensure all WordPress installations are updated to the latest stable releases, as version 1.5 contained multiple security flaws that were subsequently addressed. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers, using proper HTML escaping functions, and conducting regular security audits of user input processing can provide defense-in-depth measures. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, while establishing monitoring procedures to identify unauthorized content modifications. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of input validation and output encoding practices in web application security, aligning with security standards such as OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework recommendations for preventing XSS attacks.