CVE-2015-10132 in WP-Spreadplugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/22/2024
A vulnerability classified as problematic was found in Thimo Grauerholz WP-Spreadplugin up to 3.8.6.1 on WordPress. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file spreadplugin.php. The manipulation of the argument Spreadplugin leads to cross site scripting. The attack can be initiated remotely. Upgrading to version 3.8.6.6 is able to address this issue. The name of the patch is a9b9afc641854698e80aa5dd9ababfc8e0e57d69. It is recommended to upgrade the affected component. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-261676.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2025
This vulnerability resides within the WP-Spreadplugin WordPress plugin, specifically in the spreadplugin.php file where improper input validation allows for cross-site scripting attacks. The flaw occurs when the Spreadplugin argument is manipulated, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability has been classified as problematic due to its potential to enable persistent XSS attacks that can compromise user sessions and exfiltrate sensitive data. The issue affects versions up to 3.8.6.1, making it a significant concern for WordPress installations using this plugin. The remote exploitation capability means attackers can leverage this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in web application environments where user interaction is expected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input parameters within the plugin's core functionality. When the Spreadplugin argument is processed, the application fails to properly validate or escape the input before rendering it in the web page context. This allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or defacement of web content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically cross-site scripting flaws. The attack vector is classified as remote because the malicious payload can be delivered through web requests without requiring local system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that leverage user trust and browser capabilities. An attacker could craft malicious links that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, would execute malicious JavaScript code in their browsers. This could result in unauthorized access to user accounts, data exfiltration, or the deployment of additional malware. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used WordPress plugin means that numerous websites could be compromised simultaneously, creating a substantial attack surface. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability as part of the broader ATT&CK framework's web application exploitation techniques, particularly focusing on the T1059.007 sub-technique related to scripting languages and the T1566.001 sub-technique involving spearphishing via web applications.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading to version 3.8.6.6, which contains the necessary patch identified by the commit hash a9b9afc641854698e80aa5dd9ababfc8e0e57d69. This upgrade addresses the root cause of the vulnerability by implementing proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including web application firewalls, input validation rules, and regular security audits of their WordPress installations. The patch demonstrates the importance of maintaining current software versions and the critical need for security updates in content management systems. Administrators should verify that the upgrade was successful and monitor for any unusual activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of plugins and themes remain essential for maintaining robust security postures in WordPress environments.