CVE-2015-5732 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the form function in the WP_Nav_Menu_Widget class in wp-includes/default-widgets.php in WordPress before 4.2.4 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a widget title.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2018
The CVE-2015-5732 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WordPress content management system that specifically targets the WP_Nav_Menu_Widget functionality. This vulnerability exists in the default-widgets.php file within the wp-includes directory of WordPress versions prior to 4.2.4, making it a widespread concern affecting numerous websites running outdated WordPress installations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the form function of the WP_Nav_Menu_Widget class, which processes widget titles without proper sanitization. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads in the widget title field, which then get executed when the compromised widget is rendered on web pages accessible to other users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the widget title parameter within the navigation menu widget configuration interface. When administrators or users with appropriate privileges create or modify navigation menu widgets, the system fails to properly escape special characters in the title field before rendering it in the HTML output. This lack of proper input sanitization creates an opening for malicious actors to inject HTML tags and JavaScript code directly into the widget title. The XSS vulnerability operates on the principle that user-supplied content is directly embedded into web pages without adequate security measures, allowing attackers to execute scripts in the context of other users' browsers. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without adequate validation or escaping.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5732 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, defacement of websites, data theft, and redirection to malicious sites. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in victims' browsers, potentially compromising user sessions, stealing cookies, or redirecting users to phishing sites. The attack surface is particularly concerning because navigation menu widgets are commonly used and accessible through the WordPress admin interface, meaning that even non-technical users could inadvertently introduce malicious payloads. This vulnerability can be leveraged as part of broader attack chains, potentially serving as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within compromised networks. The impact is further amplified by the fact that WordPress powers approximately 30% of all websites globally, making this vulnerability a prime target for automated exploitation tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5732 primarily focus on immediate remediation through WordPress version updates to 4.2.4 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress installations remain current with security updates. Additional defensive measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, regular security audits of widget configurations, and educating administrators about the risks of accepting untrusted input in web forms. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output escaping as fundamental security practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.002 for command and scripting interpreter usage. Security professionals should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, particularly in admin interfaces where such vulnerabilities are most dangerous. Regular penetration testing and vulnerability scanning should include checks for outdated WordPress versions and misconfigured widgets to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.