CVE-2014-4560 in ToolPage
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in includes/getTipo.php in the ToolPage plugin 1.6.1 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the t parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2019
The CVE-2014-4560 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the ToolPage plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions 1.6.1 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the includes/getTipo.php file and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can create persistent security weaknesses in content management systems. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content through the t parameter, which is typically used to retrieve or display specific content types within the plugin's functionality. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the application layer, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into web responses without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established XSS attack pattern where malicious input is passed through the t parameter to the getTipo.php script. When the plugin processes this parameter without adequate validation or output encoding, it renders the injected content directly into the webpage context, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the victim's browser. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security that has been consistently identified in security assessments and penetration testing activities. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication or privileged access, making it an attractive target for automated exploitation tools and mass attack campaigns.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-4560 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows threat actors to compromise user sessions within the WordPress environment, potentially leading to complete account takeover scenarios. The vulnerability's presence in a widely-used plugin means that numerous WordPress installations could be affected simultaneously, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it leverages JavaScript execution capabilities through the XSS vector. Additionally, it relates to T1566 - Phishing, as attackers can use the compromised sites to redirect users to fraudulent pages designed to harvest credentials or personal information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4560 require immediate action from WordPress administrators, including updating the ToolPage plugin to version 1.6.2 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. The patch typically implements proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being rendered in the web response. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input sanitization practices, including the use of HTML entity encoding for all dynamic content and the implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability scanning and plugin updates as part of the overall security posture. The remediation process must also involve comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in plugin functionality, as proper input handling should be implemented without breaking existing features. Given the age of this vulnerability, organizations should also conduct thorough security audits to identify other potentially unpatched plugins that may present similar risks.