CVE-2014-4544 in Podcast Channels Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Podcast Channels plugin 0.20 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the Filename parameter to getid3/demos/demo.write.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4544 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Podcast Channels plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions 0.20 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the getid3/demos/demo.write.php component of the plugin, which processes user-supplied input without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected websites, potentially compromising user sessions and data integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on the Filename parameter within the demo.write.php script. When users provide filenames through this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This omission creates an exploitable condition where attacker-controlled data can be rendered as executable code within the browser context of legitimate users. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, making it a classic example of improper input handling leading to code injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can facilitate session hijacking, credential theft, and data manipulation within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that, when executed, redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies, or even modify content on the affected websites. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require any local access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress installations that host sensitive content or user data. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of the affected plugin version, potentially compromising thousands of WordPress installations simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4544 primarily involve immediate plugin updates to versions that address the input validation shortcomings. System administrators should also implement proper input sanitization measures such as HTML entity encoding, strict parameter validation, and content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which covers Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting web-based scripting environments. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns, while maintaining regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or custom code components. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of updated plugin versions to ensure that the XSS vulnerability has been effectively eliminated without introducing new security issues.