CVE-2015-1204 in WP Slimstat
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Save Filters functionality in the WP Slimstat plugin before 3.9.2 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the fs[resource] parameter in the wp-slim-view-2 page to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2015-1204 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WP Slimstat WordPress plugin ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.9.2. This vulnerability resides in the Save Filters functionality of the plugin, which is designed to help users customize and save their analytics data views. The flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the fs[resource] parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of authenticated admin sessions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the wp-admin/admin.php page, which serves as the primary administrative interface for WordPress installations, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or compromise entire WordPress environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a standard XSS attack pattern where malicious input is injected into the fs[resource] parameter and subsequently rendered in the wp-slim-view-2 page without proper sanitization or output encoding. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the browser context of authenticated administrators, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly encode or escape user-controllable data before including it in web page output. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges beyond the ability to access the WordPress admin interface, making it accessible to attackers who have gained minimal access to the system or those who can exploit other vulnerabilities to reach the admin panel.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1204 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within WordPress environments. When an administrator visits the affected page with malicious content injected through the fs[resource] parameter, the malicious script executes with the administrator's privileges, potentially allowing attackers to modify plugin settings, access sensitive analytics data, or even install additional malicious plugins. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it leverages JavaScript execution within the browser context to perform malicious activities. The compromise of the admin interface through this vector can lead to complete system takeover, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when administrators are not vigilant about the sources of their input data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1204 focus primarily on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The most effective solution is upgrading to WP Slimstat version 3.9.2 or later, which includes proper sanitization of the fs[resource] parameter and other input fields within the Save Filters functionality. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. This approach aligns with defensive techniques outlined in OWASP Top Ten 2017 - A03:2017 - Injection, which emphasizes the importance of proper input validation and sanitization. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide an additional layer of protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded, thereby limiting the potential impact of successful XSS attacks. Regular security audits and monitoring of plugin updates are essential practices to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the WordPress ecosystem, particularly given the widespread use of third-party plugins that may contain unpatched security flaws.