CVE-2014-4518 in ContactMe
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in xd_resize.php in the Contact Form by ContactMe.com plugin 2.3 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the width parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4518 represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the Contact Form by ContactMe.com WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions 2.3 and earlier. This issue resides in the xd_resize.php file which processes image resizing functionality for contact form elements. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the width parameter, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of a victim's browser session. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates poor input validation practices that are commonly associated with XSS vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious payloads through the width parameter which is typically used to specify image dimensions during the resizing process. When a user submits a contact form with manipulated width values, the plugin processes this input without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms. This creates a persistent XSS vector where attackers can embed JavaScript code or HTML content that executes in the browser of any user who views the affected page. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the plugin's legitimate image processing functionality to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more difficult.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4518 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects WordPress installations using the affected plugin version, potentially compromising thousands of websites that have not updated to newer versions. Attackers could exploit this weakness to steal administrator credentials, modify website content, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The persistence of the vulnerability across multiple WordPress installations underscores the importance of regular plugin updates and security monitoring.
Security professionals should address this vulnerability through immediate patching of the Contact Form by ContactMe.com plugin to version 2.4 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Additionally, administrators should implement content security policies to limit script execution, employ web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conduct regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation frameworks and regular security testing to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of their web applications.