CVE-2012-1068 in WP-RecentComments
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the rc_ajax function in core.php in the WP-RecentComments plugin before 2.0.7 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the page parameter, related to AJAX paging.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The CVE-2012-1068 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the WP-RecentComments plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.0.7. This vulnerability resides within the rc_ajax function in the core.php file, making it a server-side scripting issue that directly impacts the plugin's handling of AJAX requests. The vulnerability's exploitation occurs through the page parameter, which is processed without adequate input validation or output sanitization, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the affected WordPress site.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient parameter validation within the AJAX paging functionality of the plugin. When the rc_ajax function processes the page parameter, it fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when executed, can persistently execute within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the WordPress content management system's AJAX handling mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the same site.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for WordPress administrators and end users. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious scripts that may steal user sessions, deface websites, redirect visitors to malicious sites, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated users. The impact extends beyond simple script injection, as the vulnerability can be chained with other exploits to create more sophisticated attack vectors. The AJAX paging functionality makes this particularly dangerous since it's often used in high-traffic environments where the vulnerability could be exploited repeatedly, potentially affecting numerous site visitors over time.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of web applications. Organizations running vulnerable versions of the WP-RecentComments plugin face potential data breaches, reputational damage, and compliance violations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins represent common targets for attackers due to their widespread usage and often outdated security practices. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of regular plugin updates and proper input sanitization practices in web application security.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to version 2.0.7 or later of the WP-RecentComments plugin, which addresses the input validation gap in the rc_ajax function. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as content security policies, regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring for suspicious AJAX requests. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of proper output encoding for all dynamic content and the importance of following secure coding practices that prevent user input from being directly incorporated into web responses without appropriate sanitization. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and maintaining comprehensive backup strategies to quickly recover from potential exploitation attempts.