CVE-2013-7479 in events-manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The events-manager plugin before 5.3.9 for WordPress has XSS in the search form field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2024
The CVE-2013-7479 vulnerability affects the events-manager plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 5.3.9, and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that compromises user security. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's search form field implementation, where insufficient input validation and output sanitization allow malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the application's response. The flaw enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a victim's browser when they view search results or interact with the affected plugin functionality. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before rendering it back to the browser, creating a classic XSS attack vector that can be exploited across multiple user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The events-manager plugin fails to implement proper input validation mechanisms when processing search queries, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads through the search form field. When users submit search terms containing malicious script code, the plugin does not adequately sanitize this input before displaying it in the web page context. This creates an environment where attackers can leverage the vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core search functionality that is frequently used by both administrators and regular users, amplifying its potential impact across different user roles within the WordPress ecosystem.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7479 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete compromise of user sessions and potential privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. Attackers can craft search queries containing malicious JavaScript that executes when other users browse search results, potentially stealing authentication tokens or redirecting users to phishing sites. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering, where attackers convince users to search for malicious terms, or through automated scanning tools that systematically test for the vulnerability. Given that WordPress plugins are widely deployed and often maintained with varying levels of security awareness, this vulnerability can affect numerous websites without proper patch management. The attack surface is further expanded because the search form is typically accessible to all users, including unauthenticated visitors, making the exploitation process more straightforward and increasing the likelihood of successful attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7479 focus primarily on immediate patching of the events-manager plugin to version 5.3.9 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely updates of all WordPress plugins and core components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed within the browser context. Web application firewalls and input validation rules should be configured to filter potentially malicious content in search fields, though these measures are secondary to proper patching. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual search patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and regular security audits of WordPress installations should verify that all plugins are current and properly configured to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices including input validation, output encoding, and proper error handling as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and other industry security standards.