CVE-2014-9292 in jRSS Widget
Summary
by MITRE
Server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in proxy.php in the jRSS Widget plugin 1.2 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to trigger outbound requests and enumerate open ports via the url parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2018
The CVE-2014-9292 vulnerability represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw discovered in the jRSS Widget WordPress plugin version 1.2 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the proxy.php file and fundamentally compromises the security boundaries of affected WordPress installations. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the url parameter to initiate outbound network requests from the vulnerable server, effectively bypassing traditional network segmentation and access controls that typically protect internal systems from external threats.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the proxy.php script. When users submit requests through the jRSS Widget plugin, the url parameter is processed without proper restrictions on the destination addresses or protocols that can be specified. This lack of input filtering creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious requests that direct the vulnerable server to make connections to arbitrary internal or external endpoints. The vulnerability specifically enables attackers to perform port scanning operations by attempting connections to various ports on target systems, effectively allowing for network enumeration and reconnaissance activities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations running affected WordPress installations. Attackers can leverage the SSRF capability to access internal network resources that would normally be protected by firewalls and network segmentation policies. The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to internal services, databases, and systems that are not directly exposed to the internet, creating potential pathways for further exploitation and lateral movement within compromised networks. Additionally, the ability to enumerate open ports provides attackers with valuable intelligence for planning more sophisticated attacks against the target infrastructure.
The security implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as this vulnerability aligns with multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1562.001 for data manipulation. The vulnerability maps to CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery, and demonstrates how insufficient input validation can lead to dangerous proxy behavior. Organizations with WordPress installations running vulnerable versions of the jRSS Widget plugin face potential exposure to credential theft, data exfiltration, and system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication to exploit and can be triggered through standard web browser interactions, making it highly accessible to attackers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9292 primarily involve immediate patching of the jRSS Widget plugin to version 1.3 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Administrators should also implement network-level restrictions that prevent outbound connections from WordPress servers to internal network resources, effectively limiting the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Additional protective measures include deploying web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious proxy requests, implementing strict input validation rules, and conducting regular security assessments of WordPress plugins to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual outbound network activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.