CVE-2011-5225 in sentinel
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in wordpress_sentinel.php in the Sentinel plugin 1.0.0 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2019
The CVE-2011-5225 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Sentinel plugin version 1.0.0 for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects the wordpress_sentinel.php file and creates a significant security risk by allowing remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content into the targeted system. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's code structure, creating an exploitable entry point that adversaries can leverage to compromise user sessions and execute unauthorized actions.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification as CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. The technical implementation of this weakness occurs when user-supplied input data is not properly validated or escaped before being rendered in web pages, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute within the context of other users' browsers. The Sentinel plugin's failure to implement proper sanitization routines for its wordpress_sentinel.php component creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited through various attack surfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5225 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user credentials, redirect victims to malicious websites, or manipulate content displayed to authenticated users. When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to complete compromise of user accounts within the WordPress environment, particularly affecting administrators who may be tricked into executing malicious scripts through social engineering tactics. The attack vector remains particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer, targeting the web interface rather than underlying system components.
Security professionals should implement multiple mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability effectively. Immediate remediation involves updating to the latest version of the Sentinel plugin where the XSS flaw has been patched and properly sanitized. Organizations should also deploy web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts, while implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities within the WordPress environment. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or custom code components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566 for Phishing, highlighting the need for both technical controls and user awareness training to prevent successful exploitation attempts.