CVE-2014-6243 in Image Optimizer plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the EWWW Image Optimizer plugin before 2.0.2 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the error parameter in the ewww-image-optimizer.php page to wp-admin/options-general.php, which is not properly handled in a pngout error message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2024
The CVE-2014-6243 vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw within the EWWW Image Optimizer WordPress plugin, specifically affecting versions prior to 2014-06-24. This security weakness resides in the plugin's handling of error messages during image optimization processes, particularly when dealing with pngout operations. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker can manipulate the error parameter within the ewww-image-optimizer.php file that is accessed through the wp-admin/options-general.php administrative interface. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization and output encoding of user-supplied data, creating a pathway for malicious script injection that can be executed in the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the error parameter in the plugin's administrative interface. When the pngout optimization process fails, the plugin displays error messages that incorporate user-provided input without proper sanitization or encoding. This creates an XSS vector where attackers can inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content that gets executed when administrators view the error messages. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the WordPress admin environment, where users typically have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions. The attack requires minimal privileges since the malicious input only needs to be processed by the plugin's error handling mechanism rather than requiring authentication to the WordPress system itself.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6243 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. Administrators who view the error messages containing malicious code could have their sessions hijacked, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the WordPress administration panel. Additionally, the vulnerability could facilitate the installation of backdoors, data exfiltration, or modification of website content through the compromised administrative interface. The risk is amplified because the plugin operates with administrative privileges and can access sensitive configuration data, user information, and potentially other plugins or themes within the WordPress ecosystem. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a common vector for privilege escalation attacks in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate plugin updates to version 2.0.2 or later, where the developers have implemented proper input sanitization and output encoding for error messages. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of WordPress plugins, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments of all installed plugins and themes. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and administrators should be educated about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or visiting compromised websites. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular automated scanning to detect similar vulnerabilities across their WordPress installations, as this type of flaw often indicates broader security weaknesses in plugin development practices.