CVE-2013-3254 in Wp-photo-album-plus
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in wp-admin/admin.php in the WP Photo Album Plus plugin before 5.0.3 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the commentid parameter in a wppa_manage_comments edit action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/26/2019
The CVE-2013-3254 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WP Photo Album Plus plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the wp-admin/admin.php file and affects versions prior to 5.0.3, creating a significant security risk for WordPress websites that utilize this popular photo album plugin. The flaw resides in the handling of user input within the comment management functionality, where the commentid parameter in the wppa_manage_comments edit action fails to properly sanitize or validate incoming data. This allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the administrative interface, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output encoding practices within the plugin's administrative code. When administrators access the comment management section through the wppa_manage_comments action, the commentid parameter is directly incorporated into the page output without adequate sanitization measures. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be executed in the context of the administrator's browser session, effectively bypassing standard security mechanisms that protect against malicious script execution. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a Cross-Site Scripting flaw, specifically manifesting as a reflected XSS attack vector that operates through the administrative interface rather than the public-facing website.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation. When an administrator views the maliciously crafted comment management page, the injected scripts execute within their browser session, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, modify administrative settings, or even gain full control over the WordPress site. This risk is particularly severe because it targets the administrative interface, meaning that successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify photo albums, delete content, or manipulate user permissions. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of malicious scripts within trusted administrative contexts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3254 require immediate action including updating the WP Photo Album Plus plugin to version 5.0.3 or later, which contains the necessary security patches. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures such as input validation at multiple layers, including implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, conducting regular security audits of installed plugins, and maintaining updated security monitoring tools. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values, while also establishing proper access controls and session management practices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of keeping all WordPress plugins updated and following security best practices for plugin management, as unpatched administrative interfaces represent prime targets for attackers seeking to compromise entire web platforms.