CVE-2010-5295 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in wp-admin/plugins.php in WordPress before 3.0.2 might allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a plugin s author field, which is not properly handled during a Delete Plugin action.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-5295 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the WordPress content management system that existed prior to version 3.0.2. This security weakness specifically targets the wp-admin/plugins.php administrative interface where the plugin management functionality resides. The vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate the author field of a plugin during the deletion process, creating a scenario where malicious scripts can be executed in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected administrative interface. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output sanitization practices within the WordPress core codebase, particularly in how it handles user-provided data during administrative operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of the plugin author field when processing delete plugin actions. When administrators navigate to the plugins management page and initiate a deletion operation, the system fails to properly sanitize or escape the author information before displaying it in the user interface. This creates an XSS vector where an attacker can embed malicious javascript code within the author field of a plugin, which then executes when the delete confirmation page renders. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies it as a cross-site scripting weakness, specifically manifesting as an injection flaw where untrusted data flows into the web application's executable code. This weakness allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the WordPress installation.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-5295 extends beyond simple script injection as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress administrative environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute malicious code in the context of an administrator's browser session, potentially gaining access to sensitive administrative functions or stealing session cookies. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between the WordPress admin interface and its users, allowing attackers to compromise legitimate administrative sessions. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving code injection and credential access, as it can be used to establish persistent access to WordPress administrative interfaces. The impact is amplified when considering that WordPress installations often contain sensitive configuration data, user information, and content management capabilities that can be leveraged by attackers to conduct further reconnaissance or compromise entire web applications.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to WordPress version 3.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS handling in plugin management interfaces. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and output sanitization practices within their WordPress installations, ensuring that all user-provided data is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. Security headers such as Content Security Policy can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by limiting script execution sources and preventing the execution of unauthorized code. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect similar vulnerabilities in their WordPress installations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing and code review practices within CMS platforms, particularly focusing on administrative interfaces where user input is processed and displayed to privileged users. Regular security updates and patch management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities, as this particular flaw was addressed through official WordPress security releases that implemented proper sanitization of user data in administrative contexts.