CVE-2015-4338 in XCloner Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Static code injection vulnerability in the XCloner plugin 3.1.2 for WordPress allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary PHP code into the language files via a Translation LM_FRONT_* field for a language, as demonstrated by language/italian.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/21/2022
The CVE-2015-4338 vulnerability represents a critical static code injection flaw within the XCloner plugin version 3.1.2 for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of translation language management features, creating a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on affected systems. The flaw resides in how the plugin processes the Translation LM_FRONT_* field within language files, particularly demonstrated through the language/italian.php file. This represents a classic code injection vulnerability that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of web application frameworks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the plugin's inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing language translation parameters. Attackers with authenticated access to the WordPress admin interface can manipulate the Translation LM_FRONT_* field to inject malicious PHP code that gets subsequently executed within the language file context. This allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the web server, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-94 category of "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PHP" within the execution phase of the attack lifecycle.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it provides attackers with persistent access to compromised WordPress installations. Once exploited, the malicious code can be used to establish backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations running the affected XCloner plugin version, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of WordPress and its plugins. The authentication requirement does not significantly limit the threat surface, as attackers can often obtain valid credentials through various means including credential stuffing, social engineering, or previous compromise of administrative accounts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and the principle of least privilege in web application security.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4338 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the code injection vulnerability, along with comprehensive security auditing of affected systems. Administrators should implement strict input validation controls for all user-supplied data, particularly within translation and localization features. Network segmentation and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth layers to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of following secure coding practices and implementing proper sanitization of user inputs, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security principles and the CWE guidelines for preventing code injection attacks. Organizations should also maintain up-to-date security monitoring systems to detect anomalous code execution patterns that may indicate exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.