CVE-2014-4565 in Verification Code for Comments
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in vcc.js.php in the Verification Code for Comments plugin 2.1.0 and earlier for WordPress allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) vp, (2) vs, (3) l, (4) vu, or (5) vm parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4565 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Verification Code for Comments plugin version 2.1.0 and earlier for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability resides in the vcc.js.php file and affects the core security mechanisms designed to prevent automated comment spam and ensure user authentication. The flaw manifests through five specific parameter injection points including vp, vs, l, vu, and vm, which collectively create multiple entry vectors for malicious code execution. The plugin's primary function is to generate verification codes for comment submissions, making it a crucial component in WordPress security infrastructure that directly interfaces with user input.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the plugin's JavaScript generation mechanism. When user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into dynamically generated JavaScript code without proper sanitization, attackers can inject malicious payloads that execute in the context of other users' browsers. This occurs because the vcc.js.php script fails to properly escape or validate the input parameters before including them in the generated JavaScript output. The vulnerability maps to CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the improper handling of user input in web applications. The attack vector operates through the standard HTTP GET parameters, making it easily exploitable via crafted URLs that can be delivered through phishing emails, malicious websites, or social engineering campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, creating significant risks for WordPress administrators and end users. When successfully exploited, attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in victims' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the plugin is installed, as the verification code mechanism is typically used across all comment forms on affected sites. This creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable plugin version is present, making it particularly dangerous for high-traffic websites or those with extensive user engagement. The attack chain follows typical XSS exploitation patterns that align with ATT&CK technique T1566.001: Phishing for Information, where attackers leverage the vulnerability to establish persistent access through compromised user sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4565 require immediate action to address the root cause through plugin updates and input validation improvements. The primary remediation involves upgrading to a patched version of the Verification Code for Comments plugin that properly sanitizes all input parameters before incorporating them into generated JavaScript. Security administrators should also implement additional protective measures including Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit script execution, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security audits of WordPress plugins. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious parameter injection attempts, while also monitoring for signs of exploitation through log analysis and security information event management systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices that align with OWASP Top Ten security principles and should be integrated into all web application development lifecycle processes to prevent similar issues in future implementations.