CVE-2015-10120 in WDS Multisite Aggregate Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/10/2023
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in WDS Multisite Aggregate Plugin up to 1.0.0 on WordPress. Affected is the function update_options of the file includes/WDS_Multisite_Aggregate_Options.php. The manipulation leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. Upgrading to version 1.0.1 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is 49e0bbcb6ff70e561365d9e0d26426598f63ca12. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-233364.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-10120 represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability within the WDS Multisite Aggregate Plugin for WordPress, affecting versions prior to 1.0.1. This security flaw resides in the update_options function located within the includes/WDS_Multisite_Aggregate_Options.php file, making it a critical concern for WordPress multisite environments that utilize this plugin. The vulnerability's classification as problematic stems from its potential for remote exploitation, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This particular weakness falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it enables remote code execution through user input manipulation, potentially compromising the integrity of WordPress multisite installations and the data of multiple networked sites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the update_options function fails to properly sanitize or validate user input parameters before processing them within the plugin's configuration management system. This inadequate input handling creates an opportunity for malicious actors to inject malicious JavaScript code through the plugin's administrative interface or API endpoints. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or direct network privileges to execute their payloads. Instead, they can leverage the web-based interface to inject scripts that will execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the affected WordPress network. The specific nature of this vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation in web applications can create persistent security risks that affect multiple sites within a multisite environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-10120 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can potentially enable attackers to escalate privileges within the WordPress multisite network. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could allow unauthorized users to manipulate plugin configurations, access sensitive administrative functions, or compromise the security of interconnected sites within the same network. The vulnerability's presence in a multisite plugin means that a successful attack could affect numerous sites simultaneously, amplifying the potential damage. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK tactic TA0001 (Initial Access) and TA0002 (Execution) as attackers can gain initial access through the vulnerable plugin and then execute malicious code within user sessions. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where WordPress multisite networks are commonly deployed to manage multiple organizations or departments, as a single compromised plugin could expose the entire network infrastructure.
The recommended mitigation strategy for CVE-2015-10120 involves immediate upgrading to version 1.0.1 of the WDS Multisite Aggregate Plugin, which contains the necessary patch identified by the commit hash 49e0bbcb6ff70e561365d9e0d26426598f63ca12. This upgrade addresses the core input validation issues within the update_options function and implements proper sanitization of user-provided parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls, input validation at multiple layers, and regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining current plugin versions and following security best practices for WordPress installations. Additionally, administrators should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and ensure that their security monitoring systems can detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The patch resolution for this vulnerability specifically addresses the root cause by implementing proper output escaping and input validation mechanisms, thereby preventing malicious script injection through the plugin's administrative interface.