CVE-2013-6010 in Comment-attachment
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Comment Attachment plugin 1.0 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the "Attachment field title."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2022
The CVE-2013-6010 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Comment Attachment plugin version 1.0 for WordPress platforms. This security weakness specifically targets the handling of user input in the attachment field title parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected websites. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, particularly when processing comment attachments that users submit through WordPress comment forms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a malicious payload containing script code or HTML elements within the attachment field title input field. When other users view the comment containing this malicious attachment title, the injected code executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The flaw falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, where applications fail to properly validate or escape user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. This particular implementation demonstrates a failure in proper input sanitization and output encoding practices that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-6010 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent footholds within WordPress environments. When exploited successfully, the vulnerability allows threat actors to manipulate user sessions, steal cookies, redirect visitors to phishing sites, or even inject malicious content that could compromise the entire WordPress installation. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the comment system, which is typically considered a benign feature for user interaction, making the exploitation more subtle and harder to detect. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers spearphishing via email, as attackers can use the compromised comment system to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate plugin updates to versions that properly sanitize user input before rendering it in web pages. Administrators should also implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and employ web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads. Input validation should enforce strict sanitization of all user-supplied data, particularly in fields that are rendered directly in web pages. Additionally, regular security audits of WordPress plugins should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with the implementation of proper output encoding mechanisms that prevent HTML and script code from being executed in contexts where they are not intended. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining updated WordPress installations and plugins, as well as implementing defense-in-depth strategies that include monitoring for suspicious comment activity and user behavior anomalies.