CVE-2012-6633 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in wp-includes/default-filters.php in WordPress before 3.3.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an editable slug field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6633 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WordPress content management system affecting versions prior to 3.3.3. This weakness resides in the wp-includes/default-filters.php file, which serves as a core component responsible for establishing default filters and actions within the WordPress framework. The vulnerability specifically targets the handling of slug fields within the administrative interface, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within WordPress's core filtering system. When administrators or users interact with editable slug fields in the WordPress administration panel, the system fails to properly sanitize user-provided input before rendering it in the browser. This inadequate sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that persist in the system and execute whenever the affected page is loaded. The flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its users, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators have elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6633 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive administrative credentials, or redirect users to malicious domains. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including direct administration panel access or by crafting malicious posts and pages that contain the injected scripts. Given that WordPress powers approximately 30% of websites globally, the potential attack surface is extensive, particularly for sites that do not maintain up-to-date security patches. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic example of how improper input validation can compromise web application security.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application to WordPress version 3.3.3 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect any suspicious activity in administrative panels and ensure that all WordPress installations maintain current security patches. The remediation process should also include reviewing and hardening the WordPress configuration to minimize the attack surface, implementing proper access controls, and conducting regular security audits. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566 for phishing, as attackers can leverage the XSS capability to deliver additional payloads or manipulate user interactions within the WordPress environment.