CVE-2012-6716 in events-manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The events-manager plugin before 5.1.7 for WordPress has XSS via JSON call links.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The CVE-2012-6716 vulnerability affects the events-manager plugin version 5.1.6 and earlier for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting weakness that emerges through JSON call links within the plugin's functionality. This particular vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user-supplied input during JSON API calls, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response. The issue manifests when the plugin processes requests that involve JSON data structures, particularly in scenarios where event-related information is retrieved or manipulated through API endpoints. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's JSON handling mechanisms, allowing attackers to exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that bypass standard security controls.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability operates through the plugin's insufficient validation of data passed through JSON API endpoints, specifically affecting how the events-manager plugin processes and returns data to users. When the plugin receives requests containing specially crafted input through JSON calls, it fails to properly sanitize this data before incorporating it into the response sent back to the user's browser. This occurs because the plugin does not implement adequate output encoding or input filtering mechanisms that would prevent malicious script execution within the context of a user's browser session. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages the JSON API functionality that many WordPress plugins utilize for dynamic content delivery, making it a prime target for exploitation in environments where the plugin is actively used for event management and scheduling. The flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in web applications, where improper neutralization of input data leads to execution of malicious scripts in the victim's browser.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-6716 extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. This capability allows threat actors to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious websites, or data exfiltration from users who interact with compromised systems. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations that utilize the events-manager plugin for managing events, potentially exposing thousands of websites to attack vectors where users might be tricked into clicking malicious links or visiting compromised pages. The impact is amplified in environments where the plugin is used for public event listings or community calendars, as these systems typically receive significant user interaction and are more likely to be targeted by attackers seeking to exploit such vulnerabilities. Additionally, the vulnerability's exploitation can lead to persistent threats where attackers establish backdoors through the compromised plugin, maintaining long-term access to affected systems and potentially using them as launching points for broader attacks within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-6716 should focus on immediate plugin updates to version 5.1.7 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability in JSON call links. System administrators should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect unusual API activity or attempts to exploit this vulnerability through JSON endpoints. The recommended approach includes enabling proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's JSON processing code, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being incorporated into API responses. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious JSON requests targeting known vulnerable endpoints, as well as establishing regular security audits of WordPress plugins to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script injection techniques and T1566 for social engineering attacks that could exploit such vulnerabilities, making it essential for security teams to implement both technical and user awareness controls to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date plugins and implementing proper input validation practices, as it represents a classic example of how insufficient sanitization of user input can lead to severe security consequences in web applications.