CVE-2014-4568 in Video Posts Webcam Recorder
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in posts/videowhisper/r_logout.php in the Video Posts Webcam Recorder plugin 1.55.4 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the message parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4568 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Video Posts Webcam Recorder plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness exists in versions 1.55.4 and earlier, specifically within the r_logout.php file that handles logout functionality. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating the message parameter to inject malicious scripts or HTML code that will execute in the context of other users' browsers when they access the affected plugin functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting as a code injection flaw where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The flaw occurs because the plugin does not adequately sanitize the message parameter received from user input before displaying it in the logout process. This allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted payloads that, when executed, can perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between users and the WordPress platform, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, modify website content, or redirect users to malicious sites. When exploited, the XSS vulnerability can enable attackers to access user accounts, manipulate the plugin's functionality, or even propagate the attack to other users within the same WordPress environment. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no privileged access or authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can influence the message parameter through legitimate user interactions. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can undermine the integrity of the entire WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4568 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability through proper input sanitization and output encoding. Administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures that filter or escape all user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on the message parameter within the r_logout.php file. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed within the WordPress environment. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar injection flaws in other plugins and themes. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns that attempt to exploit XSS vulnerabilities, while maintaining proper logging and monitoring of user activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular security maintenance in web application development.