CVE-2014-7238 in Contact Form Integrated with Google Maps
Summary
by MITRE
The WordPress plugin Contact Form Integrated With Google Maps 1.0-2.4 has Stored XSS
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7238 affects the Contact Form Integrated With Google Maps plugin for WordPress versions 1.0 through 2.4, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's database. This flaw specifically impacts the plugin's handling of user input within contact form data, where submitted information is not properly sanitized before being stored and subsequently rendered on web pages. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient output escaping mechanisms that fail to neutralize malicious script content when the plugin processes form submissions and displays them in the user interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious payload through the contact form interface, which gets stored in the WordPress database and subsequently executed whenever the form data is displayed to other users or administrators. This stored XSS vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which defines the weakness of cross-site scripting, specifically the stored variant where malicious scripts are permanently stored on the target server. The attack vector leverages the plugin's failure to implement proper input validation and output sanitization, creating an environment where malicious JavaScript code can persist and execute in the context of the victim's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. Attackers can craft payloads that redirect users to malicious domains, harvest sensitive information from administrator sessions, or even modify content through the compromised user's privileges. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators might view contact form submissions, as it can lead to complete compromise of the WordPress installation and potentially the underlying server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-7238 require immediate plugin updates to versions that properly sanitize user input and implement comprehensive output escaping mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including input validation at multiple layers, regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to contact form data. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper security practices in web application development, particularly around user input handling, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution through stored XSS. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities. Regular patch management and security assessments remain critical to preventing exploitation of such stored XSS vulnerabilities in WordPress environments.