CVE-2014-8707 in Pluck
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in TinyMCE in Pluck CMS 4.7.2 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the "edit HTML source" option.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
The vulnerability CVE-2014-8707 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the TinyMCE rich text editor component integrated into Pluck CMS version 4.7.2. This vulnerability exists in the HTML source editing functionality that allows authenticated users to manipulate content through the web-based administration interface. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the TinyMCE editor's processing pipeline, creating an avenue for malicious script injection that can persist across user sessions and affect all visitors to the compromised website.
This vulnerability operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications. The attack vector requires an authenticated user with administrative privileges or sufficient permissions to access the content editing interface, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple administrators have access to the system. The vulnerability manifests when users leverage the "edit HTML source" option to input malicious code that gets executed in the browsers of other users who view the affected content. The flaw demonstrates characteristics of persistent XSS as the malicious scripts are stored within the CMS database and executed each time the content is rendered, rather than requiring a one-time injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8707 extends beyond simple script execution to encompass potential data theft, session hijacking, and full system compromise. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject additional malicious scripts that can harvest sensitive information from authenticated sessions. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the CMS platform by enabling unauthorized code execution within the context of legitimate user sessions. Furthermore, the persistence of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious code remains active until manually removed from the content management system, potentially allowing for extended periods of unauthorized access and data exfiltration.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the available security patches from Pluck CMS developers, implementing proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all content management systems in use. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1566.001 for Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers can leverage this flaw to establish persistent access and deliver additional payloads. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers, restricting administrative privileges to only essential personnel, and establishing regular security auditing procedures for web applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper web application security testing and the need for regular updates to third-party components like TinyMCE that are integrated into content management systems.