CVE-2014-4596 in snapapp
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in js/button-snapapp.php in the SnapApp plugin 1.5 and earlier for WordPress allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) msg or (2) act parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4596 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the SnapApp plugin for WordPress systems. This issue affects versions 1.5 and earlier, where the js/button-snapapp.php script fails to properly sanitize user input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected websites. The vulnerability specifically targets two parameters named msg and act, which are processed without adequate validation or encoding mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the plugin's javascript component. When the msg and act parameters are passed to the button-snapapp.php script, they are directly incorporated into the web page response without proper sanitization. This allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that can execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit affected pages. The flaw aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in web applications where untrusted data is improperly handled in web pages.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress site administrators and their users. Attackers can exploit these XSS flaws to steal user sessions, deface websites, redirect visitors to malicious sites, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated users. The impact extends beyond individual site compromise as compromised websites can serve as launching points for broader attacks within network ecosystems. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress environments where the SnapApp plugin is installed, making it a target for automated scanning tools that specifically look for known WordPress vulnerabilities.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is straightforward and remote, requiring no special privileges or authentication to exploit. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing the vulnerable parameters and distribute them through various means including phishing campaigns, social engineering, or by embedding them in compromised websites. The execution of malicious code occurs when legitimate users browse to pages containing the vulnerable plugin, making user awareness and proactive patching essential defensive measures. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4596 primarily focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates and comprehensive security monitoring. Site administrators should upgrade to versions of the SnapApp plugin that address this vulnerability, as the developers have likely implemented proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies to limit script execution, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of vulnerable components. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, which emphasize input validation and output encoding as fundamental defenses against XSS attacks. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be integrated into organizational security practices to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by threat actors.