CVE-2012-6623 in ForumPress
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in fs-admin/wpf-add-forum.php in the ForumPress WP Forum Server plugin before 1.7.5 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the groupid parameter in an addforum action to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2022
The CVE-2012-6623 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the ForumPress WP Forum Server plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.7.5 and resides in the fs-admin/wpf-add-forum.php file, which handles forum creation functionality through the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation and user data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the groupid parameter processing. When administrators or users navigate to the addforum action within the WordPress admin interface, the groupid parameter is directly incorporated into the page output without proper sanitization measures. This creates an XSS vector where malicious actors can inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code that executes in the browser of any user who views the affected page. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the WordPress administration interface, making it particularly dangerous for privileged users who maintain forum content.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6623 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can manipulate forum content, create unauthorized posts, modify user permissions, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative interface where users have elevated privileges, allowing for more extensive damage than typical frontend XSS vulnerabilities. This flaw can also serve as a stepping stone for further attacks within the network infrastructure, as compromised admin sessions provide access to sensitive backend systems.
Security practitioners should immediately update the ForumPress WP Forum Server plugin to version 1.7.5 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Organizations should also implement input validation measures at multiple layers including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security scanning of WordPress installations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. Additionally, implementing proper output encoding and sanitization practices in WordPress plugin development, particularly for parameters used in administrative interfaces, would prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future implementations. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments of third-party WordPress plugins remain essential for maintaining secure web environments.