CVE-2015-10127 in PlusCaptcha Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/26/2023
A vulnerability was found in PlusCaptcha Plugin up to 2.0.6 on WordPress and classified as problematic. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality. The manipulation leads to cross site scripting. The attack may be launched remotely. Upgrading to version 2.0.14 is able to address this issue. The patch is identified as 1274afc635170daafd38306487b6bb8a01f78ecd. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. VDB-248954 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-10127 affects the PlusCaptcha WordPress plugin version 2.0.6 and earlier, representing a significant security weakness that exposes websites to cross-site scripting attacks. This issue falls under the category of input validation flaws that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input within its captcha functionality, creating an attack surface where crafted malicious input can be executed in the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within the PlusCaptcha plugin's processing mechanisms. When users interact with the captcha form elements, the plugin fails to properly validate and escape output before rendering it back to the browser, creating a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited remotely without requiring any special privileges or authentication from the attacker's perspective.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack vectors such as session manipulation and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage the XSS flaw to steal cookies, modify page content, redirect users to malicious sites, or even perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The remote exploitability means that any user who interacts with the vulnerable WordPress site could become a victim, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for widely used plugins. The attack can be launched through various means including crafted form submissions, URL parameters, or even through social engineering techniques that prompt users to interact with malicious content.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The issue also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1566 for social engineering and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Organizations running vulnerable WordPress installations should prioritize immediate remediation through the recommended upgrade to version 2.0.14, as this patch contains the necessary code modifications to properly sanitize user input and prevent the injection of malicious scripts. The specific patch identified in the advisory (1274afc635170daafd38306487b6bb8a01f78ecd) addresses the root cause by implementing proper output escaping and input validation mechanisms that prevent the execution of unauthorized code in the browser context.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date WordPress plugins and themes, as third-party components often represent significant attack surfaces for web applications. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include comprehensive checks for outdated plugins that may contain known vulnerabilities, particularly those classified as cross-site scripting flaws. Organizations should implement automated monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on vulnerable components, while also establishing robust patch management processes that ensure timely deployment of security updates across all web applications and platforms.