CVE-2014-4536 in Infusionsoft Gravity Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in tests/notAuto_test_ContactService_pauseCampaign.php in the Infusionsoft Gravity Forms plugin before 1.5.6 for WordPress allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) go, (2) contactId, or (3) campaignId parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4536 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Infusionsoft Gravity Forms plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.5.6. This vulnerability resides in the tests/notAuto_test_ContactService_pauseCampaign.php file, which is part of the plugin's backend testing infrastructure. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape user-supplied data before processing or rendering it within web pages. The affected parameters include go, contactId, and campaignId, all of which can be manipulated by remote attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's response.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of HTTP request parameters that are processed by the vulnerable PHP script. When an attacker crafts a malicious request containing script code within any of the three affected parameters, the plugin fails to sanitize this input properly, allowing the malicious code to be executed within the context of a victim's browser session. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly escape or sanitize user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables attackers to deliver malicious payloads through crafted web requests that can compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary commands within the context of authenticated users' browsers. This capability can lead to session hijacking, data theft, privilege escalation, and the potential for further exploitation within the WordPress ecosystem. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, modify plugin functionality, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability affects not only the plugin's testing infrastructure but also poses a risk to the entire WordPress installation, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access to the web application. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets a plugin that integrates with WordPress's core functionality, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the broader application environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4536 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.5.6 or later, which contain proper input validation and sanitization measures. Administrators should also implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers including server-side validation, output encoding, and the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to prevent script execution. Network-based mitigations such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering malicious requests before they reach the vulnerable application. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines for preventing web application vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual parameter manipulation can help detect exploitation attempts and reduce the overall risk exposure.