CVE-2014-2333 in Lazyest-gallery
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Lazyest Gallery plugin before 1.1.21 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via an EXIF tag. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2026
The CVE-2014-2333 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Lazyest Gallery WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.1.21. This vulnerability exposes WordPress installations to remote code execution risks through improper input validation of EXIF metadata. The flaw occurs when the plugin processes image metadata extracted from photographs, failing to adequately sanitize or escape data before rendering it within web pages. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in web applications. Attackers can exploit this by uploading images containing malicious EXIF data, which gets executed when the gallery displays these images, potentially compromising user sessions and enabling further attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting EXIF metadata with malicious script payloads that get embedded into the gallery's HTML output. When users browse gallery pages, the browser executes the injected scripts, creating potential attack vectors for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of proper data validation in web applications. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting through web shells and malicious script execution. The flaw specifically targets the plugin's handling of image metadata, where EXIF data is processed without adequate security controls, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to leverage web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-2333 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session manipulation, steal user credentials, or redirect victims to phishing sites. WordPress administrators running affected versions of Lazyest Gallery face significant risk as the vulnerability allows for persistent XSS attacks that can affect multiple users simultaneously. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the fact that EXIF data is often automatically extracted and stored in the database, creating a continuous threat vector. Organizations using this plugin should consider the broader implications of unpatched web application vulnerabilities, as this flaw could serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also demonstrates the risks associated with third-party plugin security, as the flaw existed for an extended period without proper mitigation, indicating inadequate security testing in the plugin development lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2333 require immediate patching of the Lazyest Gallery plugin to version 1.1.21 or later, which implements proper input sanitization for EXIF data. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as web application firewalls, input validation controls, and regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and implementing comprehensive security monitoring. Organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities and reduce the impact of potential XSS attacks. Regular vulnerability assessments and security training for developers can help prevent similar issues in the future, as the flaw demonstrates the critical need for proper data sanitization practices in web application development. The incident also highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices and adhering to security standards such as those defined by OWASP to prevent injection vulnerabilities in web applications.