CVE-2015-1436 in Easing Slider
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Easing Slider plugin before 2.2.0.7 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the edit parameter in the (1) easingslider_manage_customizations or (2) easingslider_edit_sliders page to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2015-1436 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Easing Slider WordPress plugin, affecting versions prior to 2.2.0.7. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's administrative interface, specifically targeting the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint where the edit parameter is processed. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated admin sessions, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability operates through two distinct attack vectors within the plugin's management interface, specifically targeting the easingslider_manage_customizations and easingslider_edit_sliders pages, which are part of the plugin's core administrative functionality.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's administrative handlers. When administrators navigate to the specified management pages and interact with the edit parameter, the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in the web page context. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or HTML content that executes within the browser of any administrator who visits the affected pages. The vulnerability is classified as a persistent XSS flaw since the injected content can remain stored within the plugin's data structures and be executed repeatedly whenever administrators access the affected administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1436 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to fully compromise administrative sessions within the WordPress environment. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can perform actions such as modifying slider configurations, accessing sensitive plugin data, potentially escalating privileges, and even installing malicious plugins or themes. The attack requires minimal user interaction since administrators must simply visit the affected management pages, making the exploitation particularly dangerous in environments where administrators regularly access plugin management interfaces. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a common web application security flaw where untrusted data is improperly handled during web page generation.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1059.001 technique for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as the exploitation typically requires an attacker to gain access to legitimate administrative credentials. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration, making it a critical concern for WordPress administrators. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of the Easing Slider plugin to version 2.2.0.7 or later, as this represents the first remediation that properly addresses the input sanitization issues. Additionally, implementing proper input validation measures, output encoding, and regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in other components of the web application ecosystem. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date WordPress plugins and implementing security best practices such as role-based access control and regular security monitoring to protect against persistent threats targeting administrative interfaces.