CVE-2011-5264 in lazyest-backup
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in lazyest-backup.php in the Lazyest Backup plugin before 0.2.2 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the xml_or_all parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The CVE-2011-5264 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Lazyest Backup WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.2.2. This vulnerability resides in the lazyest-backup.php file and exposes WordPress installations to potential malicious script injection attacks. The flaw manifests through the xml_or_all parameter, which fails to properly sanitize user input before processing, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected websites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it targets a backup plugin, which typically operates with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system information.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and output encoding practices within the plugin's codebase, where the xml_or_all parameter receives user-supplied data without adequate sanitization mechanisms. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that are then executed when the vulnerable plugin processes the parameter, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized administrative access. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-5264 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to compromised WordPress installations. When exploited, this vulnerability allows malicious actors to inject scripts that can steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify the plugin's functionality to serve as a backdoor. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it leverages legitimate plugin functionality while remaining hidden from typical security monitoring systems. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using vulnerable versions of the Lazyest Backup plugin, potentially compromising hundreds of thousands of websites that rely on this backup solution. This type of vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.002 for spearphishing with social engineering, as it enables attackers to establish initial access through web-based attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5264 primarily involve immediate plugin updates to version 0.2.2 or later, which contain proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Administrators should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting the xml_or_all parameter. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes remain essential, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of keeping all components updated. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting script execution sources. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for proper security testing during plugin development and highlights the importance of following secure coding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for preventing such vulnerabilities in web applications.