CVE-2015-6535 in YouTube Embed Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in includes/options-profiles.php in the YouTube Embed plugin before 3.3.3 for WordPress allows remote administrators to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the Profile name field (youtube_embed_name parameter).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2024
The CVE-2015-6535 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the YouTube Embed plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 3.3.3. This vulnerability resides within the includes/options-profiles.php file and demonstrates a classic weakness in input validation and output encoding practices. The flaw allows remote attackers with administrator privileges to execute malicious scripts by manipulating the Profile name field, which corresponds to the youtube_embed_name parameter in the plugin's configuration interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through improper sanitization of user input within the WordPress plugin's administrative interface. When administrators configure YouTube embed profiles, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize the Profile name field before storing or rendering it in web pages. This creates an environment where malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected pages. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative configuration mechanism rather than the frontend display, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to compromise the entire WordPress installation through the administrator's session.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to WordPress sites using the affected YouTube Embed plugin. The requirement for administrative privileges to exploit the flaw does not diminish its impact, as compromising administrator accounts typically provides attackers with complete control over the website. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, privilege escalation, or even the complete compromise of the WordPress installation. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it operates within the plugin's administrative interface, making it difficult to detect through standard security monitoring.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which classifies cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding in web security practices. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for the execution of malicious scripts and T1548.001 for privilege escalation through administrative access. The flaw exemplifies the principle that security controls must be implemented at multiple layers, as the vulnerability could have been prevented through proper sanitization of user inputs and adherence to secure coding practices. Organizations should note that this vulnerability was patched in version 3.3.3 of the YouTube Embed plugin, highlighting the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software and plugins to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.
The remediation strategy for this vulnerability involves immediate upgrading to version 3.3.3 or later of the YouTube Embed plugin, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Security administrators should also implement comprehensive monitoring of administrative interfaces and user activity logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security audits of their WordPress installations, ensuring all plugins and themes are updated to their latest secure versions. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices and the need for thorough security testing of web applications, particularly those handling user inputs in administrative contexts.