CVE-2012-2913 in Leaflet Maps Marker Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the Leaflet plugin 0.0.1 for WordPress allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the id parameter to (1) leaflet_layer.php or (2) leaflet_marker.php, as reachable through wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/15/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2913 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Leaflet plugin version 0.0.1 for WordPress systems. This security weakness resides in the plugin's handling of user input parameters, specifically the id parameter that is processed through two distinct script files: leaflet_layer.php and leaflet_marker.php. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the WordPress administrative interface, making it accessible through the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint. This exposure creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to exploit the flaw without requiring elevated privileges beyond basic user access to the WordPress administration panel.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the Leaflet plugin's codebase. When the id parameter is passed to either leaflet_layer.php or leaflet_marker.php, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This processing gap allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML payloads that execute within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')", which specifically addresses the failure to neutralize output that is embedded in web pages without proper sanitization. The flaw essentially permits the execution of arbitrary scripts in the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating significant risks for WordPress administrators and users who interact with the Leaflet plugin. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute malicious code within the browser context of legitimate users who visit affected pages, potentially gaining access to sensitive administrative functions, extracting session cookies, or redirecting users to malicious sites. The vulnerability's accessibility through the wp-admin interface means that even users with limited privileges could potentially exploit it to escalate their access level or compromise the entire WordPress installation. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript' and represents a classic example of how web application vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to administrative interfaces. The impact is particularly severe because it affects the core administrative functionality of WordPress, potentially allowing attackers to modify content, create new user accounts, or manipulate plugin configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2913 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as the original 0.0.1 release contained no security patches for this flaw. System administrators should implement input validation measures that sanitize all parameters passed to the affected scripts, ensuring that the id parameter undergoes proper HTML escaping before being rendered in web pages. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, monitoring for suspicious parameter usage in web server logs, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining updated plugin versions and implementing proper input sanitization practices as recommended by the OWASP Top Ten project. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit similar XSS vulnerabilities, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify other potential entry points for attackers targeting WordPress installations.