CVE-2014-4557 in Swipe Hq Checkout For Jigoshop
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in test-plugin.php in the Swipe Checkout for Jigoshop (swipe-hq-checkout-for-jigoshop) plugin 3.1.0 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the api_url parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4557 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Swipe Checkout for Jigoshop WordPress plugin version 3.1.0 and earlier. This vulnerability specifically affects the test-plugin.php component of the plugin, which is designed to facilitate testing of the checkout functionality for Jigoshop e-commerce platforms. The issue arises from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the plugin's codebase, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML content within the context of affected websites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it targets a core e-commerce plugin that handles sensitive transactional data, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking to compromise online stores and their customers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the api_url parameter within the test-plugin.php script. When the plugin processes this parameter without proper sanitization, it allows attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit the affected pages. This unfiltered parameter handling creates a classic XSS vector where attacker-controlled content is rendered as part of the legitimate website interface. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly encode or escape user-supplied data before incorporating it into web pages. The impact is amplified by the fact that this plugin is designed for e-commerce transactions, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal customer session cookies, which would allow them to impersonate legitimate users and access sensitive account information. Additionally, the injected scripts could redirect users to phishing sites designed to capture login credentials or financial information. The vulnerability also poses risks to the overall integrity of the website, as attackers could modify the appearance of the checkout pages to mislead customers about the legitimacy of transactions. Given that this affects WordPress plugins, the attack surface is broad, as the vulnerability could impact multiple websites running the affected plugin version, potentially affecting thousands of online stores simultaneously.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through updating to the patched version of the Swipe Checkout for Jigoshop plugin, which addresses the input validation issues. System administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of their WordPress installations to identify any unauthorized plugin modifications or installations of vulnerable versions. The mitigation strategy should include regular security audits of installed plugins and themes, with particular attention to plugins handling sensitive data or user input. From a defensive perspective, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices such as input validation, output encoding, and proper parameter handling as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework categories related to web application vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to identify and block suspicious traffic patterns associated with XSS exploitation attempts.