CVE-2014-10012 in Another WordPress Classifieds Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Another WordPress Classifieds Plugin plugin for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the query string to the default URI.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
The CVE-2014-10012 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Another WordPress Classifieds Plugin for WordPress platform. This vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of user input through the query string parameter in the default URI, creating an exploitable entry point for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing attackers to bypass security measures that should normally prevent malicious code execution.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. When a user accesses a classified listing page with a malicious query string parameter, the plugin processes this input without adequate filtering, resulting in the execution of injected scripts in the context of other users' browsers. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored or reflected XSS attack vector depending on how the malicious input is handled within the plugin's architecture. The attack chain typically involves an attacker crafting a malicious URL with embedded script payloads and distributing it through various channels such as email, social media, or compromised websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to complete compromise of user accounts and access to sensitive data within the classifieds system. The vulnerability also poses risks to the broader WordPress installation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent backdoors or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks against other network resources. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the classifieds platform.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-10012 should include immediate patching of the affected plugin to the latest version that addresses the input validation issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive input sanitization measures, including the use of proper escaping functions when rendering user-supplied data, and employ Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Network administrators should monitor for suspicious traffic patterns and implement web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Additionally, security hardening practices such as regular security audits, input validation testing, and maintaining updated security monitoring tools should be implemented. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper output encoding and input validation practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and aligns with ATT&CK techniques for command and control through web application exploitation, emphasizing the need for robust web application security controls.