CVE-2015-5151 in Slider Revolution Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Slider Revolution (revslider) plugin 4.2.2 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the client_action parameter in a revslider_ajax_action action to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/22/2022
The CVE-2015-5151 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Slider Revolution WordPress plugin version 4.2.2, specifically targeting the revslider_ajax_action functionality. This vulnerability exists in the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint, which serves as a central AJAX handler for WordPress administrative functions. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization of the client_action parameter, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content directly into the plugin's administrative interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the WordPress admin area, where users typically have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that bypass standard security measures, potentially leading to unauthorized access to administrative controls and full system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic XSS attack pattern where the client_action parameter is not properly sanitized before being processed and returned to the user interface. The Slider Revolution plugin fails to validate or escape user-supplied input, creating an opening for malicious code injection. When the revslider_ajax_action endpoint processes the client_action parameter, it directly incorporates user input into the response without adequate security controls. This vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize or escape output, specifically manifesting as reflected cross-site scripting within the WordPress administrative environment. The flaw allows attackers to execute JavaScript code in the context of a logged-in administrator's browser session, potentially enabling session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5151 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress ecosystem. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to the plugin's administrative functions, potentially allowing them to modify slider configurations, upload malicious files, or manipulate the plugin's behavior. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators may have elevated privileges, as it could enable attackers to escalate their privileges or manipulate the entire website's content. The attack vector is relatively straightforward, requiring only that a victim with administrative privileges access a maliciously crafted URL or page that triggers the vulnerable code path. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the targeted system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5151 should prioritize immediate patching of the Slider Revolution plugin to version 4.2.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output sanitization measures for all user-supplied data, particularly within administrative interfaces. Web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring for suspicious parameter values and blocking known attack patterns. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins and themes. The WordPress core team recommends implementing the principle of least privilege, ensuring that administrative users only have access to necessary functions and that all user input is properly escaped before being displayed. Additionally, organizations should maintain up-to-date security monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior patterns associated with XSS attacks, including monitoring for unexpected script execution within administrative contexts.