CVE-2014-8751 in WebPress
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in goYWP WebPress 13.00.06 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) search_param parameter to search.php or (2) name, (3) address, or (4) comment parameter to forms.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8751 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the goYWP WebPress content management system version 13.00.06. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws. The vulnerability manifests through multiple attack vectors that collectively weaken the application's input validation mechanisms and output encoding practices. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, creating a persistent threat that can compromise user sessions and exfiltrate sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through four distinct parameter injection points within the web application's core functionality. The first vector involves the search_param parameter in the search.php endpoint, where unfiltered user input directly influences the search results page. The remaining three vectors target the forms.php endpoint through the name, address, and comment parameters, all of which lack proper sanitization before being rendered back to users. These parameters are typically used in contact forms and search functionalities, making them prime targets for exploitation since they are frequently interacted with by end users. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture, specifically in its failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding across multiple user-facing interfaces.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for organizations using the affected goYWP WebPress version. When exploited, attackers can execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The impact extends beyond simple data theft, as attackers can leverage these XSS vulnerabilities to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users, including modifying content, accessing restricted areas, or even installing malware through browser-based attacks. The persistent nature of XSS vulnerabilities means that once exploited, the malicious scripts can continue to affect users until the vulnerability is patched and the affected pages are refreshed. This vulnerability also aligns with several tactics in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and persistence through web application attacks, making it a serious concern for security operations teams.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and the implementation of Content Security Policies to prevent script execution in user-controllable contexts. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user inputs through proper validation frameworks, implementing strict output encoding for all dynamic content, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Additionally, regular security testing including dynamic application security testing and manual penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other application components. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of keeping all web applications updated with the latest security patches, as this particular issue was likely addressed in subsequent releases of the goYWP WebPress platform. Organizations should also consider implementing proper security monitoring and incident response procedures to detect and respond to exploitation attempts targeting such vulnerabilities.