CVE-2014-10394 in rich-counter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The rich-counter plugin before 1.2.0 for WordPress has JavaScript injection via a User-Agent header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The CVE-2014-10394 vulnerability affects the rich-counter plugin version 1.2.0 and earlier for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through the User-Agent HTTP header. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic input validation weakness where the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-provided data before incorporating it into dynamic JavaScript execution contexts. The issue arises from the plugin's improper handling of HTTP headers, specifically the User-Agent field, which is commonly used by web applications for various tracking and analytics purposes. When the plugin processes this header without adequate sanitization, it creates an environment where malicious actors can execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of authenticated users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. The User-Agent header, which typically contains information about the client software making requests to the server, is being directly used in JavaScript code generation without appropriate sanitization. This creates a cross-site scripting vulnerability that falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, where the application fails to properly escape or encode data before including it in dynamically generated content. The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a specially crafted User-Agent header containing malicious JavaScript code, which then gets executed in the browser context of users visiting pages that utilize the affected plugin.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized administrative actions within the WordPress environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, steal cookies and authentication tokens, or redirect users to malicious websites. The risk is particularly elevated for administrators or privileged users who may be logged into WordPress, as the executed JavaScript code can perform actions with their privileges. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, where adversaries use JavaScript to execute malicious code in the victim's browser. The attack chain typically involves initial reconnaissance through user-agent fingerprinting followed by payload delivery, making it a particularly insidious threat vector for WordPress administrators who may not expect such vulnerabilities in seemingly benign plugins.
The recommended mitigation strategies include immediate upgrading to version 1.2.0 or later of the rich-counter plugin, which contains proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls with rules to detect and block suspicious User-Agent patterns can provide additional defense-in-depth. Administrators should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts and regularly audit plugin installations for known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege when developing WordPress plugins. Organizations should maintain updated vulnerability management processes that include regular scanning of their WordPress installations for outdated plugins and themes, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly innocuous components can create significant security risks in web applications.