CVE-2010-4637 in feedlist
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in feedlist/handler_image.php in the FeedList plugin 2.61.01 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the i parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The CVE-2010-4637 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the FeedList plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting version 2.61.01. This vulnerability resides in the feedlist/handler_image.php file and demonstrates how improper input validation can create persistent security risks for web applications. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML code through the i parameter, which serves as an entry point for executing unauthorized code within the context of a victim's browser session. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they exploit the trust relationship between users and web applications, enabling attackers to bypass normal security restrictions.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters. When the feedlist/handler_image.php script processes the i parameter without proper validation or encoding, it directly incorporates user-provided data into the web response. This creates an environment where attackers can embed malicious JavaScript code that executes in the victim's browser when the page loads. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages the legitimate functionality of the FeedList plugin to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify content displayed on the affected WordPress site. Given that WordPress is one of the most widely deployed content management systems, the potential attack surface is extensive, with thousands of vulnerable installations potentially at risk. The vulnerability also demonstrates how plugin developers often overlook input validation in their code, creating persistent security gaps that can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where administrators may not regularly update their plugins or where legacy systems remain operational.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4637 should prioritize immediate patching of the FeedList plugin to version 2.61.02 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that encode or escape all user-supplied data before processing, particularly for parameters used in dynamic content generation. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering suspicious input patterns, though this should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should include detection of anomalous parameter values in feed-related requests, and administrators should regularly audit their WordPress installations for outdated plugins. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing input validation and output encoding as fundamental security controls to prevent XSS attacks.