CVE-2011-4618 in Advanced Text Widget plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in advancedtext.php in Advanced Text Widget plugin before 2.0.2 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2025
The CVE-2011-4618 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Advanced Text Widget WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.0.2. This vulnerability resides in the advancedtext.php file and demonstrates how web application security can be compromised through improper input validation mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser by manipulating the page parameter, which represents a fundamental weakness in web application sanitization practices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input within the plugin's processing logic. When the page parameter is passed to advancedtext.php without proper validation or encoding, it creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites and can be executed through simple HTTP requests that include malicious payloads in the page parameter, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users can interact with plugin functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4618 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. When a victim visits a compromised WordPress page that utilizes the vulnerable plugin, their browser executes the injected code, potentially allowing attackers to access their session cookies, steal sensitive information, or modify website content. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress installations where the Advanced Text Widget plugin is active, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active until the plugin is updated to version 2.0.2 or later.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers the exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access. The attack surface is broad since WordPress installations are widely deployed across various environments, and the plugin's functionality makes it accessible to numerous users. Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment that includes input validation testing, parameter sanitization reviews, and regular plugin updates as recommended by industry best practices. The remediation strategy involves immediate updating of the plugin to version 2.0.2 or later, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and conducting comprehensive security audits of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist within the web application stack.