CVE-2012-0782 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
** DISPUTED ** Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in wp-admin/setup-config.php in the installation component in WordPress 3.3.1 and earlier allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) dbhost, (2) dbname, or (3) uname parameter. NOTE: the vendor disputes the significance of this issue; also, it is unclear whether this specific XSS scenario has security relevance.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0782 relates to cross-site scripting flaws discovered in the WordPress installation component, specifically within the wp-admin/setup-config.php file. This issue affects WordPress versions 3.3.1 and earlier, representing a potential security risk during the initial setup process when users configure their database connection parameters. The vulnerability exists in the installation phase rather than in the operational system, making it particularly concerning as it could potentially be exploited during the critical initial configuration of a WordPress site.
The technical flaw manifests through three specific parameters that are susceptible to XSS injection: dbhost, dbname, and uname. These parameters are used during the WordPress installation process to collect database connection information from administrators. When these parameters are not properly sanitized or escaped before being rendered back to the user interface, malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code. This injection occurs because the application fails to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, allowing attacker-controlled data to be executed in the context of the victim's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it could potentially enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal administrative credentials, or redirect users to malicious websites. During the installation phase, administrators typically have elevated privileges and may be working in environments where they are less vigilant about security. The fact that this vulnerability exists in the setup configuration file means that attackers could potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation before it becomes fully operational, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in the installation process.
Security researchers and organizations should note that while the vendor has disputed the significance of this issue, the potential for exploitation during the installation phase remains a concern. The unclear security relevance mentioned in the description highlights the complexity of assessing vulnerabilities that exist in setup or configuration components rather than operational code paths. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly when implementing WordPress installations in environments where security controls may be less stringent. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and output encoding at all stages of application development, including setup and configuration phases. Mitigation strategies should include upgrading to patched versions of WordPress, implementing proper input sanitization, and conducting security assessments of installation processes to ensure that no attacker-controlled data is rendered without proper escaping or encoding.