CVE-2014-10378 in duplicate-post Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The duplicate-post plugin before 2.6 for WordPress has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-10378 affects the duplicate-post plugin for WordPress systems prior to version 2.6, representing a significant cross-site scripting vulnerability that exposes web applications to potential exploitation. This flaw resides within the plugin's handling of user input and data processing mechanisms, specifically in how it manages duplicate post creation functionality. The issue arises from insufficient sanitization and validation of input parameters that are processed during the duplication workflow, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into the application's response. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it targets a widely used content management system where plugins often have elevated privileges and access to sensitive data processing functions.
The technical implementation of this cross-site scripting flaw allows attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of other users' browsers who interact with affected WordPress installations. The vulnerability manifests when users create duplicate posts or perform operations that trigger the plugin's processing functions, as the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in the web interface. This weakness enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that can execute in the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized modifications to content. The flaw operates under the CWE-79 category of Cross-site Scripting, specifically classified as a reflected XSS variant where malicious payloads are injected through user-controllable parameters in the plugin's processing flow. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which involves phishing attacks through malicious links, as the XSS can be delivered via crafted duplicate post operations that users might legitimately perform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attack vectors including credential theft, privilege escalation, and persistent malware delivery. When exploited, the XSS vulnerability allows attackers to establish a foothold within WordPress installations where they can manipulate content, modify user permissions, or access administrative functions. The affected environment typically includes any WordPress site running the vulnerable duplicate-post plugin version 2.5 or earlier, making it a widespread concern across numerous websites and organizations that rely on WordPress for content management. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill, as attackers can craft malicious payloads that are automatically executed when legitimate users access the affected WordPress interface, particularly during routine post duplication activities. Organizations may experience unauthorized content modification, data breaches, or complete compromise of their WordPress installations, with potential downstream impacts on user privacy and system integrity.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate plugin updates to version 2.6 or later, which contain the necessary security patches to address the XSS flaw. System administrators should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect suspicious activities related to post duplication operations and user input handling. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities, regular security audits of installed plugins, and maintaining up-to-date WordPress core installations with proper plugin vetting processes. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting known XSS patterns, along with regular security training for users to recognize potentially malicious interactions with WordPress interfaces. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping all WordPress components updated and following secure coding practices in plugin development to prevent similar issues in the future.