CVE-2012-2759 in Login With Ajax
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in login-with-ajax.php in the Login With Ajax (aka login-with-ajax) plugin before 3.0.4.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the callback parameter in a lostpassword action to wp-login.php.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2021
The CVE-2012-2759 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Login With Ajax WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.0.4.1. This vulnerability exists in the login-with-ajax.php file and operates through the wp-login.php endpoint when processing lostpassword actions. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code by manipulating the callback parameter, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this authentication plugin.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's handling of the callback parameter. When users initiate a password recovery process through the lostpassword action, the plugin fails to properly sanitize the callback URL parameter before incorporating it into the response. This insufficient sanitization creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of authenticated users' browsers. The vulnerability operates under the CWE-79 classification as a cross-site scripting weakness, specifically categorized as a reflected XSS attack since the malicious payload is reflected back to users through the application's response.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2759 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be exploited to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within WordPress environments. Attackers can craft malicious callback URLs that redirect users to phishing pages or inject tracking scripts that capture sensitive authentication information. The vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites that rely on the Login With Ajax plugin for their authentication workflows, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit weak authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability can be leveraged to perform session hijacking, steal user credentials, or redirect users to malicious domains, all while appearing to originate from legitimate WordPress authentication endpoints.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's credential access techniques, specifically aligning with methods that exploit web application vulnerabilities to obtain user credentials. The remediation strategy focuses primarily on updating the Login With Ajax plugin to version 3.0.4.1 or later, which incorporates proper input sanitization and output encoding for the callback parameter. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls, input validation rules, and regular security audits of WordPress plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious callback parameter patterns, and user education regarding phishing attempts should be strengthened to mitigate potential exploitation success rates.