CVE-2013-7419 in JS Multi Hotel
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in includes/refreshDate.php in the Joomlaskin JS Multi Hotel (aka JS MultiHotel and Js-Multi-Hotel) plugin 2.2.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the roomid parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2018
The CVE-2013-7419 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Joomlaskin JS Multi Hotel plugin version 2.2.1 for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects the refreshDate.php script located within the plugin's includes directory, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to exploit web application security weaknesses. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before processing and rendering it within the web application's response. The roomid parameter serves as the primary attack vector, allowing remote threat actors to inject malicious scripts or HTML content that executes in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a fundamental web application security weakness that enables attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in victim browsers. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects a plugin that likely handles hotel reservation and management functionalities, potentially exposing sensitive user data and session information. The security implications extend beyond simple script execution as this vulnerability can be leveraged for session hijacking, credential theft, and the delivery of additional malicious payloads through more sophisticated attack chains.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal prerequisites and can be executed through a simple HTTP request containing malicious payload within the roomid parameter. When the refreshDate.php script processes the unfiltered roomid input, it directly incorporates the user-supplied data into the page output without proper HTML encoding or context-appropriate sanitization. This creates an environment where JavaScript code injected through the roomid parameter executes in the victim's browser context with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the importance of validating and sanitizing all user inputs to prevent injection attacks. The attack can be executed from any remote location without requiring authentication or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous for widely deployed plugins. The XSS vulnerability operates in a stored or reflected mode, depending on how the application handles the roomid parameter, potentially allowing attackers to persist malicious scripts within the application's data storage or deliver them through crafted URLs that users might inadvertently click.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple script injection, creating significant risks for both end users and system administrators. Users who visit pages utilizing the vulnerable plugin may unknowingly execute malicious code that can steal session cookies, redirect them to phishing sites, or modify the application's behavior in unauthorized ways. The vulnerability creates potential for credential theft attacks where attackers can capture login information or manipulate reservation data, particularly concerning in hotel management systems where sensitive customer information is processed. Additionally, the vulnerability can be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns, potentially serving as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within network environments. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing and T1203 for Exploitation for Client Execution, demonstrating how this vulnerability can be weaponized in real-world scenarios. System administrators face the challenge of maintaining security across multiple plugins and themes, where a single vulnerable component can compromise the entire WordPress installation, making this vulnerability particularly problematic for organizations relying on legacy plugin versions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7419 should encompass both immediate remediation and long-term security enhancements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading the Joomlaskin JS Multi Hotel plugin to a patched version that properly validates and sanitizes the roomid parameter input. This upgrade process should include thorough testing to ensure compatibility with existing installations and data integrity. Implementing proper input validation techniques such as allowing only expected data types, implementing strict parameter filtering, and applying appropriate HTML encoding to all user-supplied content represents the core defensive measures. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the impact of successful XSS attacks. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across all web applications, with particular attention to third-party plugins and components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping all software components updated and following secure coding practices, including input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, while user education about recognizing and avoiding suspicious links remains a crucial component of overall security posture.