CVE-2014-9444 in Frontend Uploader
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Frontend Uploader plugin 0.9.2 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the errors[fu-disallowed-mime-type][0][name] parameter to the default URI.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
The CVE-2014-9444 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Frontend Uploader plugin version 0.9.2 for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input through the errors[fu-disallowed-mime-type][0][name] parameter, which is processed during file upload operations. The issue arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits a malicious payload through the designated parameter in the plugin's default URI endpoint. The plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape the user-supplied input before incorporating it into the HTML response, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation pattern where the application processes untrusted data without adequate sanitization measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive user information, or redirect victims to malicious domains. Since the vulnerability exists within a WordPress plugin, it affects any website running the vulnerable version, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of WordPress as a content management system. The attack vector requires no authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can interact with the plugin's upload functionality, which typically includes registered users or even anonymous visitors depending on plugin configuration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9444 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as the original vulnerable version 0.9.2 has been superseded by patched releases. System administrators should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other components, following the principle of least privilege and input sanitization practices. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001, which covers the use of malicious file uploads to establish initial access, and demonstrates the importance of proper parameter handling in web applications as outlined in OWASP Top 10 categories. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across all installed plugins and themes, ensuring that all components adhere to secure coding practices and input validation standards.