CVE-2015-7668 in Easy2Map Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in includes/MapPinImageSave.php in the Easy2Map plugin before 1.3.0 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the map_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2024
The CVE-2015-7668 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Easy2Map WordPress plugin, specifically within the MapPinImageSave.php file. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.3.0 and exposes WordPress installations to remote code execution risks through malicious script injection. The flaw occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input received through the map_id parameter, creating an avenue for attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the application's response. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, making it a well-documented and widely recognized security weakness in web applications. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft malicious input containing script code and inject it through the map_id parameter in the MapPinImageSave.php endpoint. When the vulnerable plugin processes this input without proper sanitization or validation, the malicious code gets executed in the browser of any user who views the affected page or interacts with the compromised map functionality. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers the exploitation of web applications through injection attacks, and specifically demonstrates how parameter manipulation can lead to persistent XSS conditions. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to steal cookies, modify page content, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability's location within the plugin's core functionality means that any website using Easy2Map and running an affected version becomes immediately susceptible to this attack vector.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-7668 is significant for WordPress administrators and website owners who rely on the Easy2Map plugin for mapping functionality. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise the integrity of map-based content and potentially gain unauthorized access to user sessions or sensitive data. The vulnerability's persistence means that once exploited, malicious scripts can continue to execute until the plugin is updated or the affected parameter is properly sanitized. This creates a long-term security risk for websites that fail to patch the vulnerability promptly. The exploitability of this vulnerability is relatively straightforward, requiring only basic knowledge of web application security testing and parameter manipulation techniques. Organizations using WordPress with the affected plugin version face immediate risk of being compromised, as the vulnerability can be exploited through simple web requests without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack chains. The widespread use of WordPress plugins makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it can affect numerous websites simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-7668 focus primarily on updating the Easy2Map plugin to version 1.3.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to sanitize user input properly. System administrators should also implement input validation mechanisms at the application level to prevent unsanitized data from being processed through the map_id parameter. Additionally, implementing content security policies can help prevent the execution of unauthorized scripts even if the vulnerability is exploited. The use of web application firewalls can provide an additional layer of protection by monitoring and filtering malicious requests targeting the vulnerable endpoint. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should include checks for outdated plugins and themes, as this vulnerability demonstrates how legacy software components can create persistent security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates of all web application components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization practices and the need for regular security testing of web applications to identify and remediate similar issues before they can be exploited by malicious actors.