CVE-2014-2040 in Media File Renamer
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the (1) callback_multicheck, (2) callback_radio, and (3) callback_wysiwygin functions in mfrh_class.settings-api.php in the Media File Renamer plugin 1.7.0 for WordPress allow remote authenticated users with permissions to add media or edit media to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified parameters, as demonstrated by the title of an uploaded file.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/20/2024
The CVE-2014-2040 vulnerability represents a significant security flaw in the Media File Renamer WordPress plugin version 1.7.0, specifically affecting three callback functions within the mfrh_class.settings-api.php file. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The issue enables authenticated attackers with media management permissions to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the callback_multicheck, callback_radio, and callback_wysiwyg functions. These functions handle user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into HTML output without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate media management capabilities, making it difficult to detect and distinguish from normal user activity. When authenticated users upload or modify media files, the title parameter and other unspecified fields become vulnerable to injection attacks, allowing malicious actors to embed script code that executes in the browsers of other users who view the affected media items.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it creates a persistent threat vector within WordPress environments where the Media File Renamer plugin is installed. Attackers with media editing privileges can craft malicious file titles that, when viewed by other users, execute arbitrary JavaScript code. This could lead to unauthorized access to user sessions, data exfiltration, or the establishment of backdoors within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different permission levels exist, as it allows lower-privileged users to potentially escalate their access or compromise higher-privileged accounts. The fact that the vulnerability affects core WordPress media functionality makes it a high-impact issue that could affect thousands of WordPress installations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2040 should focus on immediate patching of the Media File Renamer plugin to version 1.7.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within their WordPress installations, particularly for user-supplied content. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious media file uploads and modifications, as well as regular vulnerability scanning of WordPress plugins and themes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, and T1566 for Phishing, as attackers may use this vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads through compromised media files. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 standards.