CVE-2014-4559 in Swipe Checkout for WP e-Commerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in test-plugin.php in the Swipe Checkout for WP e-Commerce plugin 3.1.0 and earlier for WordPress allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) api_key, (2) payment_page_url, (3) merchant_id, (4) api_url, or (5) currency parameter.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4559 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Swipe Checkout for WP e-Commerce plugin version 3.1.0 and earlier. This security weakness resides in the test-plugin.php file and affects WordPress installations that utilize this specific plugin. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly encode or escape user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating specific parameters in the plugin's interface, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and execute malicious code within the context of affected websites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through five distinct parameter injection points including api_key, payment_page_url, merchant_id, api_url, and currency. These parameters are processed without adequate sanitization measures, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML content that gets executed when legitimate users access the affected plugin interface. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is sent to a web browser without proper validation or encoding. This flaw enables attackers to bypass standard security controls and execute malicious scripts in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the affected WordPress installation.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4559 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress environment. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable attackers to steal administrator credentials, modify website content, install additional malicious software, or redirect users to phishing sites. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of affected WordPress installations, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who interacts with the vulnerable plugin interface. Given that WordPress powers over 30% of websites globally, the potential scope of impact from this vulnerability is substantial, potentially affecting thousands of websites that have not updated to patched versions of the Swipe Checkout plugin.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate potential exploitation. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of the Swipe Checkout for WP e-Commerce plugin where the vulnerability has been patched. Additionally, administrators should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and employ input validation mechanisms at the application level. Network-based defenses including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional protection layers. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques such as T1059.007 for scripting and T1566 for social engineering, as attackers can leverage the XSS to establish persistent access and conduct more sophisticated attacks. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected plugins or components within their WordPress installations, as similar vulnerabilities may exist in other third-party components that have not been properly sanitized.