CVE-2012-2400 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in wp-includes/js/swfobject.js in WordPress before 3.3.2 has unknown impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2400 affects the WordPress content management system and specifically targets the swfobject.js library located within the wp-includes/js/ directory. This particular javascript file serves as a utility for embedding flash content on web pages and has been identified as containing an unspecified security flaw that existed prior to WordPress version 3.3.2. The vulnerability represents a critical concern for WordPress installations as it affects core functionality used for multimedia integration, particularly when dealing with flash-based content that was commonly embedded in blog posts and pages. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability's impact and attack vectors suggests that the flaw could potentially enable various malicious activities ranging from cross-site scripting attacks to remote code execution depending on how the vulnerable code is utilized within different WordPress configurations.
The technical flaw resides within the swfobject.js implementation which is designed to facilitate the embedding of Adobe Flash content into web pages through javascript. This library typically handles the dynamic insertion of flash objects into HTML documents and manages various parameters related to flash player configuration. The vulnerability likely stems from improper input validation or sanitization within this javascript component, potentially allowing malicious actors to inject harmful code or manipulate the flash embedding process. Given that this affects a core javascript library used across WordPress installations, the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple attack vectors including crafted flash content parameters, manipulated embed tags, or through indirect exploitation via other vulnerable components that utilize this library. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that WordPress installations often allow users with various permission levels to create content, potentially providing attackers with multiple entry points to exploit the vulnerable swfobject.js functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2400 extends far beyond simple script injection as it represents a fundamental security weakness in WordPress's core javascript implementation that could enable attackers to compromise entire installations. Organizations running vulnerable WordPress versions face potential risks including unauthorized content modification, data theft, privilege escalation, and establishment of persistent backdoors through the exploitation of this javascript vulnerability. The vulnerability's presence in the wp-includes/js/swfobject.js file means that any WordPress installation using the default configuration or custom themes/plugins that rely on this library could be at risk. Attackers could leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary javascript code in the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack vectors for this vulnerability are particularly concerning as they could involve social engineering through crafted content, automated exploitation of vulnerable installations, or through supply chain attacks targeting WordPress installations that depend on this library for multimedia functionality.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to WordPress version 3.3.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability as it represents a critical security flaw that could be exploited by threat actors. The recommended mitigation strategy involves not only updating WordPress core but also reviewing all themes and plugins that may utilize the vulnerable swfobject.js library to ensure compatibility with the patched version. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any installations that may still be running vulnerable versions of WordPress or that may have custom implementations of the affected javascript functionality. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within custom themes and plugins can provide additional defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and CWE-94 (Code Injection) categories, representing weaknesses in input handling and code execution that are commonly exploited in web application attacks. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability could map to techniques involving command and control communications, credential access, and execution through web shell deployment, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that do not maintain current security patches. Regular security monitoring and automated patch management systems should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.