CVE-2011-5265 in Featurific-for-wordpress
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in cached_image.php in the Featurific For WordPress plugin 1.6.2 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the snum parameter. NOTE: this has been disputed by a third party.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2025
The CVE-2011-5265 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw in the Featurific For WordPress plugin version 1.6.2, specifically within the cached_image.php script. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of the snum parameter, which is processed without proper security measures that would prevent malicious code injection. The affected plugin operates within the WordPress ecosystem, making it susceptible to exploitation by remote attackers who can manipulate the parameter to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a code injection attack that occurs when an application includes untrusted data in a new web page without proper validation or escaping. The snum parameter in cached_image.php serves as the attack vector, where an attacker can craft malicious input that gets processed and subsequently rendered in web pages viewed by other users. This creates a persistent threat where the injected code executes in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user's privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the WordPress environment. A successful exploitation could allow threat actors to manipulate the plugin's functionality, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation if the attacker gains administrative privileges. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that are publicly accessible. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers the exploitation of web applications through various injection techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-5265 should include immediate patching of the Featurific For WordPress plugin to version 1.6.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied data, particularly parameters that are processed and rendered within web pages. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution, using web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components and implementing proper security controls in web applications to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.