CVE-2012-6717 in Redirection plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The redirection plugin before 2.2.12 for WordPress has XSS, a different issue than CVE-2011-4562.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-6717 affects the redirection plugin for WordPress systems prior to version 2.2.12, representing a cross-site scripting vulnerability that differs from the previously identified CVE-2011-4562. This issue specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input within its redirection functionality, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web applications. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's insufficient sanitization of input parameters that are processed during redirection operations, allowing attackers to craft specially crafted requests that could execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a victim's browser.
The technical flaw manifests when the redirection plugin fails to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied data that is used in constructing redirect URLs or handling user interactions within the plugin's administrative interface. This inadequate input validation creates a condition where malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently executed when legitimate users access pages that utilize the vulnerable redirection functionality. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically affects the plugin's ability to properly escape or encode output that contains user-controllable data, which aligns with common CWE classifications related to improper output escaping and cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress installations that utilize the affected redirection plugin, as it could enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive user information, or redirect victims to malicious sites. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as attackers could potentially establish persistent access through the execution of malicious scripts that could manipulate the user's browser environment or exfiltrate data from the compromised system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can be executed through standard web-based attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the WordPress administrative interface.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to version 2.2.12 or later of the redirection plugin, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within their WordPress installations, and regularly audit plugin configurations to ensure no unauthorized modifications have occurred. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components and highlights the critical need for proper input sanitization practices. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests that attempt to exploit known XSS vulnerabilities, and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to command and control communications and credential access through web application exploitation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls beyond simple patch management.