CVE-2011-5192 in Pretty Link Lite plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in pretty-bar.php in Pretty Link Lite plugin before 1.5.6 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the slug parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-5191.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2021
The CVE-2011-5192 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Pretty Link Lite WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.5.6. This vulnerability resides within the pretty-bar.php file and demonstrates a classic input validation weakness that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected websites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates through the slug parameter, which serves as a critical input field for URL aliasing functionality within the plugin. Unlike CVE-2011-5191 which affected different components, this flaw specifically targets the pretty-bar.php component, making it a distinct but equally dangerous security weakness in the plugin ecosystem.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers manipulate the slug parameter in requests to the pretty-bar.php script. This parameter typically handles URL slugs used for creating shortened links or pretty permalinks within WordPress installations. When the plugin fails to properly sanitize or validate this input before rendering it in web pages, attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit affected pages. The XSS vector allows for persistent or reflected script execution, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is sent to a web browser without proper validation or sanitization, making it a fundamental web application security flaw.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5192 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within compromised WordPress environments. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through browser-based attacks, potentially compromising user sessions and gaining unauthorized access to administrative functions. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations using Pretty Link Lite plugin versions before 1.5.6, creating a significant exposure for websites that have not updated to the patched version. Given that WordPress powers over 40% of websites globally, this vulnerability represents a substantial risk to web infrastructure, particularly for sites that rely on link management and URL shortening functionality. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that many WordPress sites may not regularly update plugins, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits like this one.
Security mitigations for CVE-2011-5192 center on immediate plugin version updates to 1.5.6 or later, which contain the necessary input sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all WordPress plugins remain current with security updates. Additional defensive measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers can use the XSS to deliver malicious payloads and establish persistent access. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of input validation practices and the principle of least privilege in web application security, where proper sanitization of user inputs should prevent such exploitation vectors from succeeding in production environments.