CVE-2010-4779 in WPtouch
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in lib/includes/auth.inc.php in the WPtouch plugin 1.9.19.4 and 1.9.20 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the wptouch_settings parameter to include/adsense-new.php. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4779 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WPtouch plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness exists in the authentication and authorization handling components of the plugin, specifically within the lib/includes/auth.inc.php file. The vulnerability affects versions 1.9.19.4 and 1.9.20 of the WPtouch plugin, making it a targeted issue for attackers who specifically seek to exploit WordPress installations using these plugin versions. The flaw manifests when the wptouch_settings parameter is manipulated in the include/adsense-new.php file, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the WPtouch plugin's administrative interface. When users interact with the adsense-new.php component, the wptouch_settings parameter is processed without proper sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious scripts. This represents a classic XSS vulnerability where the application fails to properly encode or escape user-controllable input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The attack vector allows remote exploitation without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress sites that use the affected plugin version.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute malicious code within the context of authenticated users' browsers. This can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and the potential for privilege escalation within the WordPress administration interface. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions, modify website content, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target affected systems without requiring physical access or local network presence. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing via Social Media) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript), as it enables attackers to deliver malicious JavaScript payloads through web-based interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from WordPress site administrators and security teams. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the WPtouch plugin where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and output sanitization. System administrators should also implement comprehensive monitoring of web application logs to detect suspicious parameter manipulation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, deploying web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining updated software components and the critical need for proper input validation in web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.