CVE-2012-6511 in Organizer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in organizer/page/users.php in the Organizer plugin 1.2.1 for WordPress allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) delete_id parameter or (2) extension parameter in an "Update Setting" action to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2021
The CVE-2012-6511 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Organizer plugin version 1.2.1 for WordPress systems. This vulnerability exists within the organizer/page/users.php file and exposes WordPress installations to remote code execution risks through malicious script injection. The flaw specifically targets two input parameters: delete_id and extension, which are processed during the "Update Setting" action in the wp-admin/admin.php interface. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and output sanitization that has been documented in numerous security frameworks including CWE-79, which classifies it as a cross-site scripting weakness. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the delete_id or extension parameters in the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint. These parameters are not properly sanitized before being processed or displayed within the web application's user interface. When a WordPress administrator or authenticated user visits a page containing the maliciously crafted parameters, the injected scripts execute in their browser context. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting web applications. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the privileged context of authenticated administrators, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6511 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker could inject scripts that steal administrator session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or even modify plugin settings to maintain persistent access. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the Organizer plugin is installed, potentially compromising multiple sites if administrators do not update their plugins regularly. This vulnerability also represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, as it allows unauthenticated attackers to manipulate administrative functions through carefully crafted parameter values. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the WordPress administrative interface where critical system functions are performed, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to establish long-term access to web applications.
Organizations and security teams should immediately implement multiple layers of defense against this vulnerability. The primary mitigation involves updating the Organizer plugin to a version that properly sanitizes input parameters and implements proper output encoding. Additionally, administrators should implement input validation at multiple levels including web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious parameter values. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security audits and patch management processes that can identify and remediate such flaws before they can be exploited. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual parameter values in wp-admin endpoints, and network intrusion detection systems should be configured to alert on potential XSS attack patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies that limit script execution within administrative interfaces, providing defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities that may not be immediately patched. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current security practices and the potential consequences of running outdated software components within web applications.