CVE-2015-5535 in qTranslate Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the qTranslate plugin 2.5.39 and earlier for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the edit parameter in the qtranslate page to wp-admin/options-general.php.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2022
The CVE-2015-5535 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the qTranslate plugin version 2.5.39 and earlier, which was widely deployed on WordPress websites. This vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of user input within the WordPress admin interface, creating a significant security risk for affected systems. The qTranslate plugin, designed to enable multilingual website functionality, introduced this flaw through inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms in its administrative components. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin processes the edit parameter in the qtranslate page located at wp-admin/options-general.php, where user-supplied data is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered back to the browser.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a classic XSS attack vector where malicious actors can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the WordPress admin interface. When administrators access the qtranslate configuration page with manipulated edit parameters, the injected code executes within the context of the admin session, potentially allowing attackers to perform unauthorized actions. This flaw operates at the application layer and can be leveraged by remote attackers without requiring authentication to the WordPress system itself. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative interface where users typically have elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for affected websites. The root cause lies in the plugin's failure to implement proper output encoding or input sanitization for parameters passed through the URL query string.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5535 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable complete compromise of WordPress administrative accounts. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of any authenticated administrator session, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or the installation of backdoors. The vulnerability affects not just the specific qTranslate plugin but also impacts the broader WordPress ecosystem, as compromised admin sessions can be used to modify website content, install malicious plugins, or alter core WordPress configurations. Organizations running vulnerable versions of qTranslate face significant risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and potential complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of the qTranslate plugin among WordPress users, making it a prime target for automated exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5535 require immediate action including the mandatory upgrade to qTranslate version 3.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures such as input validation and output encoding in their WordPress configurations, and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the application layer attack techniques. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other vulnerable plugins or themes that may be susceptible to similar exploitation vectors, as the presence of one vulnerable component often indicates potential exposure to additional security risks within the broader web application ecosystem.