CVE-2014-4847 in Random Banner
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Random Banner plugin 1.1.2.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the buffercode_RBanner_url_banner1 parameter in an update action to wp-admin/options.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2018
The CVE-2014-4847 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Random Banner plugin version 1.1.2.1 for WordPress platforms. This security weakness resides in the plugin's handling of user input parameters during administrative updates, specifically targeting the buffercode_RBanner_url_banner1 parameter. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data compromise. The flaw is particularly concerning as it occurs within the WordPress administration interface, providing attackers with elevated privileges to manipulate plugin configurations and inject malicious content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's update processing logic. When administrators access the wp-admin/options.php page to update banner configurations, the buffercode_RBanner_url_banner1 parameter is directly incorporated into the page output without proper HTML escaping or script validation. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can be executed as legitimate JavaScript code within the browser context of authenticated users. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which classifies improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic XSS attack vector.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker could inject scripts that steal administrator cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify plugin configurations, or even execute additional attacks through the compromised administrative session. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit and can affect any WordPress administrator who visits the affected page. This creates a significant risk for websites that rely on the Random Banner plugin for advertising or promotional content management.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting web application scripting environments. The attack surface is limited to WordPress installations using the vulnerable plugin version, but the impact can be severe given the administrative context. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and the critical need for proper sanitization of user-supplied data before rendering it within web pages. Organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers as a defensive measure, though this does not fully mitigate the core vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4847 should include immediate plugin version updates to address the XSS vulnerability, as well as comprehensive input validation and output sanitization measures. Administrators should ensure that all WordPress plugins are kept current with security patches, and implement proper access controls to limit administrative privileges. The vulnerability highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in OWASP Top 10 and the principle of least privilege in web application development. Regular security audits of installed plugins and themes remain essential for maintaining WordPress security posture and preventing exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.