CVE-2015-1384 in Banner Effect Header
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Banner Effect Header plugin before 1.2.8 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the banner_effect_divid parameter in the BannerEffectOptions page to wp-admin/options-general.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1384 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Banner Effect Header plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness affects versions prior to 1.2.8 and exposes WordPress installations to potential exploitation by remote attackers who can manipulate the plugin's administrative interface. The vulnerability specifically targets the BannerEffectOptions page located at wp-admin/options-general.php, making it accessible through the banner_effect_divid parameter which serves as the primary attack vector for malicious code injection.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's handling of user-supplied parameters. When administrators navigate to the BannerEffectOptions page, the plugin fails to properly sanitize the banner_effect_divid parameter before rendering it in the web page context. This inadequate sanitization allows attackers to inject arbitrary HTML and JavaScript code directly into the plugin's administrative interface, creating a persistent vector for malicious activity. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, where improper validation of user input leads to execution of unintended code within the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute arbitrary commands within the context of the administrator's session. Since the vulnerability exists within the WordPress administrative interface, successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify plugin settings, install additional malicious plugins, or even gain complete control over the WordPress installation. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges beyond access to the WordPress admin panel, making it accessible to anyone who can submit data to the vulnerable parameter.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-1384 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 1.2.8 or later, which contain the necessary sanitization patches to prevent the XSS exploitation. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, implementing content security policies to restrict script execution, and monitoring administrative interfaces for suspicious parameter submissions. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles, where inadequate sanitization of user inputs creates exploitable conditions for various injection attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter values before they reach the vulnerable application components, providing an additional layer of protection against similar vulnerabilities in other plugins or applications.