CVE-2015-1614 in Image Metadata Cruncher
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site request forgery (CSRF) vulnerabilities in the Image Metadata Cruncher plugin for WordPress allow remote attackers to hijack the authentication of administrators for requests that conduct cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via the (1) image_metadata_cruncher[alt] or (2) image_metadata_cruncher[caption] parameter in an update action in the image_metadata_cruncher_title page to wp-admin/options.php or (3) custom image meta tag to the image metadata cruncher page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2024
The CVE-2015-1614 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw discovered in the Image Metadata Cruncher plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanisms of WordPress administrators by exploiting the lack of proper CSRF protection in the plugin's handling of metadata updates. The flaw enables remote attackers to manipulate administrative sessions and execute malicious actions under the guise of legitimate administrator requests, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this particular plugin.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through three distinct attack vectors within the plugin's administrative interface. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the image_metadata_cruncher[alt] parameter or the image_metadata_cruncher[caption] parameter during update operations on the image_metadata_cruncher_title page which directs requests to wp-admin/options.php. Additionally, the vulnerability extends to the custom image meta tag functionality within the image metadata cruncher page itself. These parameters lack proper nonce validation and authentication checks, allowing malicious actors to craft crafted requests that appear legitimate to the WordPress administrative system.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1614 is particularly severe as it enables attackers to perform administrative actions without proper authorization. When exploited, the vulnerability allows for the execution of cross-site scripting attacks through manipulated metadata fields, potentially leading to complete compromise of the WordPress administrator account. Attackers can leverage this privilege escalation to modify site configurations, inject malicious code, manipulate content, or even install backdoors. The vulnerability essentially creates a persistent attack vector that can be exploited repeatedly, making it a significant concern for WordPress administrators who have not updated their plugins to address this specific flaw.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and demonstrates how insufficient anti-CSRF measures can lead to complete administrative compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1548.001 Account Manipulation, as it allows attackers to hijack legitimate administrator sessions. The flaw also relates to T1213 Data from Information Repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to WordPress administrative interfaces and the associated metadata repositories. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement patch management procedures to update to the latest version of the Image Metadata Cruncher plugin, while also conducting security audits of their WordPress installations to identify other potential CSRF vulnerabilities in third-party plugins and themes.