CVE-2015-8353 in Role Scoper Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Role Scoper plugin before 1.3.67 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the object_name parameter in a rs-object_role_edit page to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2022
The CVE-2015-8353 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Role Scoper WordPress plugin, which affected versions prior to 1.3.67. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's administrative interface and specifically targets the rs-object_role_edit page located at wp-admin/admin.php. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated admin sessions, creating a significant security risk for WordPress installations that utilize this plugin. The vulnerability's exploitation requires no special privileges beyond basic access to the WordPress admin area, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by attackers who have gained limited access to the system.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs through improper input validation and output sanitization of the object_name parameter. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and submits it through this parameter, the plugin fails to adequately escape or filter the input before rendering it in the administrative interface. This allows the injected script to execute in the browser of any user who views the affected page, including administrators with elevated privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the Role Scoper plugin's handling of user roles and object permissions, where the object_name parameter is used to manage and display role assignments. The lack of proper sanitization creates a persistent vector for malicious code execution that can be exploited across multiple user sessions within the same administrative context.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-8353 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify plugin configurations, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress installation. The vulnerability's location within the admin.php page means that any user with access to the WordPress administrative interface could potentially be targeted, making it particularly dangerous for multi-user environments. Additionally, the fact that this affects a plugin rather than core WordPress functionality means that administrators might not immediately recognize the vulnerability's source, potentially delaying remediation efforts and increasing the window of opportunity for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-8353 require immediate action to update the Role Scoper plugin to version 1.3.67 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular plugin auditing, monitoring for unauthorized administrative access, and implementing content security policies to limit the impact of potential XSS attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection attacks. Security administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify other potential XSS vectors within their WordPress installations.