CVE-2007-4153 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in WordPress 2.2.1 allow remote authenticated administrators to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) the Options Database Table in the Admin Panel, accessed through options.php; or (2) the opml_url parameter to link-import.php. NOTE: this might not cross privilege boundaries in some configurations, since the Administrator role has the unfiltered_html capability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-4153 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness affecting WordPress version 2.2.1 that specifically targets authenticated administrator accounts. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface of the content management system and demonstrates how privileged user access can be exploited to execute malicious code within the context of other users' browsers. The flaw is particularly concerning because it operates within the administrative panel where users possess elevated privileges and can potentially access sensitive system functions. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within WordPress's administrative components, allowing malicious payloads to be stored and subsequently executed when legitimate users interact with the compromised pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through two distinct attack vectors that exploit different administrative interfaces within WordPress. The first vector targets the Options Database Table functionality accessible through the options.php administrative page, where administrator users can modify system configuration parameters. The second vector exploits the opml_url parameter in the link-import.php script, which handles import operations for link management. Both attack paths demonstrate a failure in proper sanitization of user-supplied input before rendering it within web pages, creating opportunities for malicious script injection. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a Cross-Site Scripting flaw, specifically representing a stored XSS attack where malicious content is permanently stored on the server and executed when other users access the affected pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform actions that could compromise entire WordPress installations. When an administrator account is compromised, the attacker gains access to all administrative functions including plugin management, theme customization, user account manipulation, and content modification. The vulnerability's potential to cross privilege boundaries is mitigated by the fact that administrators in WordPress typically possess the unfiltered_html capability, which means they can bypass standard content filtering mechanisms. This characteristic significantly amplifies the attack's effectiveness, as the injected scripts can execute with full administrative privileges. The attack scenario typically involves an attacker who has already gained administrative access to a WordPress site, then uses this vulnerability to maintain persistent access or escalate privileges further.
The implications of this vulnerability align with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence within web applications. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, manipulate site content, or steal sensitive data from other users who interact with compromised pages. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only authenticated access to an administrative account, which makes it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative credentials might be compromised through phishing, credential theft, or other means. Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as role-based access restrictions, input validation mechanisms, and regular security audits to protect against this type of attack. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of keeping content management systems updated, as newer versions of WordPress include enhanced input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms that prevent similar attacks from succeeding.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as part of a broader class of web application security issues that affect content management systems and web applications in general. The presence of unfiltered_html capabilities in administrative roles demonstrates how default permission settings can create attack surfaces that are not immediately obvious. Organizations should implement comprehensive security testing procedures including automated scanning and manual penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the need for proper input validation at multiple layers within web applications, as well as the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches. Regular security awareness training for administrators and developers can help prevent the exploitation of such vulnerabilities by ensuring that security best practices are followed during application development and maintenance activities.