CVE-2013-4625 in Duplicator
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in files/installer.cleanup.php in the Duplicator plugin before 0.4.5 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the package parameter.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2025
The CVE-2013-4625 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Duplicator plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.4.5. This vulnerability exists in the installer.cleanup.php file and creates a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser through the manipulation of the package parameter, making it particularly dangerous for administrators and users who may inadvertently interact with compromised content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the Duplicator plugin's cleanup functionality. When the package parameter is processed in the installer.cleanup.php file, the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into the web page response. This creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code that gets executed when other users view the affected page. The vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, where improper validation of input allows malicious code to be executed within the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized administrative actions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially steal user credentials, modify content, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the plugin's installation and cleanup processes, which are typically accessed by administrators during routine maintenance operations, providing attackers with elevated privileges and increased attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting, where adversaries use web-based scripting to execute malicious code in user browsers, and T1566.001 for Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers might deliver compromised package files to exploit this weakness.
Organizations and WordPress administrators should immediately update to Duplicator plugin version 0.4.5 or later to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms can help prevent similar issues in other applications. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious parameter values in plugin installation and cleanup endpoints, while regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help identify other potential vulnerabilities. The fix implemented in version 0.4.5 likely includes proper sanitization of the package parameter and enhanced input validation to prevent malicious code injection, aligning with industry best practices for XSS prevention as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the Web Application Security Consortium guidelines.