CVE-2013-7433 in Googlemaps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Googlemaps plugin before 3.1 for Joomla!.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2019
The CVE-2013-7433 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Googlemaps plugin for Joomla! versions prior to 3.1. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input parameters, specifically within the map display functionality that processes location data and map configurations. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious script code through crafted parameters that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected map content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental web application security weakness categorized as a code injection flaw. The vulnerability occurs because the Googlemaps plugin does not adequately escape or filter user-provided parameters such as location coordinates, map titles, or custom markers before incorporating them into dynamically generated HTML output. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject JavaScript payloads that execute in the browser context of legitimate users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trusted relationship between the Joomla! platform and its plugins, allowing attackers to bypass normal security boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and defacement of affected websites. When exploited, the XSS payload can steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject additional malicious code that persists across user sessions. The impact extends beyond individual user sessions as the vulnerability affects the entire Joomla! ecosystem where the plugin is installed, potentially compromising multiple users and their data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to create persistent backdoors or use it as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7433 require immediate patching of the vulnerable Googlemaps plugin to version 3.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization routines that escape special characters and validate all user-supplied parameters before processing. Network security controls such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers by detecting and blocking malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other third-party plugins and components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, highlighting the need for proper code validation and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components to prevent exploitation. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide browser-level protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded and executed.