CVE-2014-4854 in Wp Contruction Mode
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the WP Construction Mode plugin 1.8 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the wuc_logo parameter in a save action to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2018
The CVE-2014-4854 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WP Construction Mode plugin version 1.8 for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's administrative interface where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed and rendered back to users. The flaw exists in the handling of the wuc_logo parameter during save operations executed through the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. When administrators or authorized users access the plugin's configuration interface and submit data through the save action, the wuc_logo parameter fails to undergo proper sanitization processes. This parameter typically accepts image upload paths or URLs that should be validated against malicious input patterns. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, where untrusted data is incorporated into web page content without proper validation or encoding. The flaw demonstrates poor secure coding practices that violate fundamental web application security principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute malicious code within the context of legitimate user sessions. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, deface the WordPress administration interface, or even escalate privileges if the target user possesses administrative capabilities. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation running the vulnerable plugin version, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of WordPress as a content management system. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since it targets the administrative interface, meaning that even users with limited permissions could potentially exploit this flaw to compromise the entire WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-4854 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as the original vulnerable version 1.8 contains no built-in protections against this specific attack pattern. System administrators must implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in the future, adhering to OWASP secure coding practices and the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and plugin vetting processes, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's application security category where such flaws are categorized under web application attacks. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities in their WordPress environments.