CVE-2014-4521 in dsIDXpress IDX plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in client-assist.php in the dsIDXpress IDX plugin before 2.1.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the action parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2018
The CVE-2014-4521 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the dsIDXpress IDX plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 2.1.1. This vulnerability resides in the client-assist.php file and demonstrates a classic input validation failure that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected websites. The flaw operates by failing to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input that flows directly into the web page output without adequate security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of the action parameter within the client-assist.php script. When the plugin processes requests containing malicious input in this parameter, it directly incorporates the unsanitized data into the HTTP response without appropriate output encoding or validation mechanisms. This creates an exploitable condition where attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit affected pages. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of web application vulnerabilities through injection attacks.
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, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious sites. An attacker could potentially steal administrator credentials, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised WordPress installation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the plugin's client-side functionality, meaning that any user who interacts with the plugin's features could become a victim of the attack. The attack vector is straightforward requiring only that a user clicks on a malicious link or visits a compromised page, making it highly exploitable in real-world scenarios.
Organizations should immediately update to dsIDXpress IDX plugin version 2.1.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms to prevent the injection of malicious content. Additionally, implementing proper web application firewall rules to detect and block suspicious parameter values can provide an additional layer of protection. Security monitoring should focus on identifying unusual traffic patterns or attempts to exploit known XSS vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping all WordPress plugins updated and maintaining comprehensive security practices including input validation, output encoding, and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of similar injection vulnerabilities in web applications.