CVE-2012-6627 in Newsletter Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in admin/test_mail.php in the Newsletter Manager plugin 1.0.2 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2018
The CVE-2012-6627 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Newsletter Manager plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions 1.0.2 and earlier. This vulnerability exists in the admin/test_mail.php file and allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser. The flaw occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user input received through the id parameter, creating an avenue for attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface of the plugin, which typically requires elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the WordPress plugin architecture. When the id parameter is passed to the admin/test_mail.php script without adequate sanitization, the plugin directly incorporates user-supplied data into the HTML response without proper encoding or filtering. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that can be executed when administrators or other privileged users view the affected page. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection flaw that occurs when untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or escaping. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through the administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or access sensitive information.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, modify content, or even install additional malware through the compromised administrative interface. The vulnerability affects not just the plugin's functionality but the entire WordPress installation, as it provides a potential entry point for further exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability corresponds to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through web-based vectors and potentially gain persistent access to the system. The impact is amplified because the vulnerability targets the admin panel, which typically has access to sensitive data and system configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6627 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The most effective solution is to upgrade to a patched version of the Newsletter Manager plugin, as the vulnerability was resolved in subsequent releases. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures to prevent similar issues in other components of their WordPress installations. This includes implementing proper sanitization of all user inputs, particularly those used in administrative interfaces. Security measures should also include regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes, maintaining updated security plugins, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Additionally, administrators should enforce the principle of least privilege, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to administrative interfaces, and implement multi-factor authentication to add additional security layers. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and the necessity of thorough security testing before deploying plugins in production environments.