CVE-2015-10101 in Google Analytics Top Content Widget Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/16/2023
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in Google Analytics Top Content Widget Plugin up to 1.5.6 on WordPress. Affected by this vulnerability is an unknown functionality of the file class-tgm-plugin-activation.php. The manipulation leads to cross site scripting. The attack can be launched remotely. Upgrading to version 1.5.7 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is 25bb1dea113716200a6f0f3135801d84a7a65540. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier VDB-226117 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/05/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-10101 represents a cross site scripting vulnerability within the Google Analytics Top Content Widget plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions up to 1.5.6. This plugin, which is widely used for tracking website analytics and displaying top content, contains a flaw in the class-tgm-plugin-activation.php file that creates a security exposure for WordPress sites. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin processes user input through the class-tgm-plugin-activation.php file, failing to adequately sanitize or escape data that is subsequently displayed in the web interface. This allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable, meaning that attackers do not require local access to the system to carry out the attack, making it particularly dangerous for widely deployed WordPress installations. The attack vector specifically targets the plugin's handling of data within the activation process, which is a common attack surface in WordPress plugin ecosystems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to compromised WordPress sites. When exploited, the XSS vulnerability can be leveraged to steal cookies, modify content, redirect users to malicious sites, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target vulnerable sites from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or prior authentication. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to website administrators who rely on the Google Analytics Top Content Widget plugin, as it can compromise the integrity and security of their entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability's classification as a remote exploit aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, where attackers can leverage XSS to deliver malicious payloads through compromised WordPress sites.
The remediation strategy involves upgrading the affected plugin to version 1.5.7, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. The patch identified by the hash 25bb1dea113716200a6f0f3135801d84a7a65540 specifically targets the input sanitization issues within the class-tgm-plugin-activation.php file. Security professionals should prioritize this upgrade as a critical security measure, especially for sites that have not yet implemented the fix. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms in WordPress plugins serves as a preventive measure against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's identification and patching process demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and the need for comprehensive security testing of plugin components, particularly those involved in user data handling and plugin activation processes. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies as additional protective measures against similar cross site scripting vulnerabilities.