CVE-2014-10393 in cforms2 Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The cforms2 plugin before 10.5 for WordPress has XSS.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The cforms2 plugin vulnerability CVE-2014-10393 represents a cross-site scripting flaw that affected versions prior to 10.5 within the WordPress ecosystem. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input data, specifically within its form processing and display mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into form fields that are subsequently rendered on web pages without proper sanitization or encoding. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in content management systems where user-generated content is prevalent and often directly integrated into web pages without adequate security controls.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the plugin's codebase. When users submit form data through cforms2 forms, the plugin processes this information and displays it on the website, often in administrative interfaces or public-facing pages. The vulnerability occurs because the plugin fails to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in HTML contexts, creating opportunities for attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code in the browsers of unsuspecting visitors. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, redirection to malicious sites, and data exfiltration from user browsers. In the context of WordPress installations, where cforms2 plugins are commonly used for contact forms, lead capture, and other user interaction mechanisms, the attack surface is significant. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user sessions, potentially compromising entire WordPress installations if administrative users interact with compromised forms. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics involving malicious links or content injection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-10393 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 10.5 or later, which contain the necessary security patches to address the XSS vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, output encoding for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of installed plugins. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts, while also monitoring for unauthorized modifications to WordPress installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping WordPress plugins updated and following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.