CVE-2014-9176 in Sexy Squeeze Pages
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the InstaSqueeze Sexy Squeeze Pages plugin for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the id parameter to lp/index.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2024
The CVE-2014-9176 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the InstaSqueeze Sexy Squeeze Pages plugin for WordPress platforms. This security weakness specifically targets the lp/index.php endpoint where the plugin processes user input through the id parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter malicious content submitted by attackers. The affected plugin, designed to create landing pages and squeeze pages for marketing purposes, inadvertently creates an attack vector that allows remote threat actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This flaw exists at the application layer and directly impacts the integrity of web applications running vulnerable versions of the plugin.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the id parameter of the lp/index.php endpoint. When a victim visits this specially crafted URL, the malicious script executes in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is classified as a reflected XSS attack since the malicious payload is reflected back to the user through the application's response without being stored on the server. This particular implementation flaw demonstrates poor security practices in parameter handling and output encoding, which are fundamental requirements in secure web application development.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9176 extends beyond simple script injection, creating potential for significant damage to affected WordPress installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, steal administrator sessions, or manipulate content displayed on the website. The vulnerability affects not only individual user experiences but also compromises the overall security posture of WordPress sites using the vulnerable plugin. Organizations running these affected systems face risks including data breaches, unauthorized content modification, and potential compromise of entire web infrastructures. The vulnerability's remote nature means attackers can exploit it without requiring physical access or prior authentication, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
Security mitigations for CVE-2014-9176 should focus on immediate patching of the vulnerable plugin to ensure proper input validation and output sanitization. System administrators must implement comprehensive input filtering that escapes special characters and validates parameter values against expected formats. The solution aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities through proper input validation and output encoding. Additionally, implementing content security policies and web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits of their WordPress plugins and themes, ensuring all third-party components are up-to-date with security patches. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining secure coding practices and following ATT&CK framework guidelines for preventing web application vulnerabilities. Regular monitoring and vulnerability assessment procedures should be implemented to detect similar issues in other components of the web infrastructure.