CVE-2012-3414 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in swfupload.swf in SWFUpload 2.2.0.1 and earlier, as used in WordPress before 3.3.2, TinyMCE Image Manager 1.1, and other products, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the movieName parameter, related to the "ExternalInterface.call" function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
The CVE-2012-3414 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the SWFUpload library version 2.2.0.1 and earlier, which was widely adopted across various web applications including WordPress versions prior to 3.3.2 and TinyMCE Image Manager 1.1. This vulnerability resides in the swfupload.swf file and specifically targets the ExternalInterface.call function, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of vulnerable applications. The flaw demonstrates the dangerous intersection of Flash-based file upload functionality with web application security, where client-side Flash components become vectors for server-side code injection attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the movieName parameter manipulation within the SWFUpload component. When an application passes user-controllable input directly into the ExternalInterface.call function without proper sanitization or validation, attackers can craft malicious payloads that get executed in the victim's browser context. This particular flaw falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and operates through the mechanism of improper input validation where the movieName parameter is not adequately filtered before being processed by the Flash component. The vulnerability is particularly insidious because it leverages the trusted Flash environment to bypass traditional web application security controls, making it difficult to detect and mitigate.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-3414 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. In WordPress environments, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors. The attack vector requires minimal privileges and can be executed through simple web browser interactions, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it enables attackers to deliver malicious scripts through compromised web applications and user interaction with vulnerable pages.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3414 require immediate patching of affected software components, including upgrading WordPress to version 3.3.2 or later, updating SWFUpload libraries to versions 2.2.1 or higher, and implementing proper input validation for all parameters passed to Flash components. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities, employ web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conduct thorough security assessments of all third-party components. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software libraries and demonstrates how legacy Flash-based components can pose significant security risks in modern web applications. Additionally, developers should avoid passing user-controllable input directly to Flash functions and implement proper sanitization techniques to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations.