CVE-2014-4532 in GarageSale
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in templates/printAdminUsersList_Footer.tpl.php in the GarageSale plugin before 1.2.3 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the page parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2019
The CVE-2014-4532 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the GarageSale WordPress plugin ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically targets the templates/printAdminUsersList_Footer.tpl.php file, which serves as a critical component in the administrative interface of the plugin. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before rendering it within the web page context. The affected version range includes all iterations prior to 1.2.3, indicating that the plugin developers were aware of this security gap and implemented a fix in their subsequent release.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the page parameter within the HTTP request. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and injects it into this parameter, the vulnerable code processes the input without adequate sanitization measures. This allows the malicious script to be executed within the context of other users' browsers who access the affected administrative pages. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold within the WordPress administrative environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary commands, modify user permissions, access sensitive data, or even install malicious plugins to maintain persistent access. The attack is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, as the vulnerability exists in the administrative template rendering process that is accessible to authenticated users. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers the execution of malicious code through web scripting. The vulnerability also represents a privilege escalation risk when combined with other attack vectors, as it can be used to manipulate the administrative interface and gain deeper system access.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2014-4532 involve immediate upgrading to version 1.2.3 or later of the GarageSale plugin, which contains the necessary security patches to address the input validation deficiencies. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as regular security audits of installed plugins, implementing web application firewalls, and conducting input validation testing. The fix typically involves proper sanitization of user-supplied parameters before rendering them in the template context, ensuring that any potentially malicious scripts are neutralized through encoding or filtering mechanisms. Security professionals should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to provide additional defense-in-depth against XSS attacks, as this vulnerability could potentially be chained with other weaknesses in the web application architecture. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all WordPress installations.