CVE-2015-9293 in all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall plugin before 3.9.8 for WordPress has XSS in the unlock request feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The CVE-2015-9293 vulnerability affects the all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 398. This security flaw exists within the unlock request feature of the plugin, which is designed to help users regain access to their WordPress sites when they become locked out due to security measures. The vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting issue that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary code in the context of a victim's browser. The plugin's unlock request functionality typically allows users to submit requests to unlock their accounts or sites when they are temporarily blocked by the security system. The flaw occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input that is subsequently rendered back to the browser without adequate security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the plugin's unlock request handling mechanism. When users submit unlock requests through the plugin interface, the system processes these requests and displays relevant information back to the user interface. However, the plugin does not adequately filter or escape special characters from the submitted data before displaying it, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious javascript code. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting, which is categorized under the OWASP Top Ten as one of the most prevalent web application security risks. The vulnerability can be exploited through various vectors including maliciously crafted unlock request parameters, cookies, or even referrer headers that are processed by the plugin's security mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9293 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary javascript code in the context of authenticated WordPress admin sessions. This can lead to complete compromise of the affected WordPress site, enabling attackers to modify content, steal administrative credentials, install malware, or create backdoor access points. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability exists within a security plugin designed to protect against such threats, creating a paradoxical situation where the tool meant to secure the site becomes a potential entry point for attackers. The exploitability of this vulnerability is relatively high as it requires minimal user interaction beyond accessing the unlock request functionality, and the attack can be automated through various means including social engineering or direct exploitation of vulnerable sites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9293 primarily involve immediate patching of the vulnerable plugin to version 398 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including monitoring for suspicious unlock request patterns, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins and themes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices as outlined in the OWASP Secure Coding practices, which align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript. Organizations should also consider implementing defense-in-depth strategies including regular plugin updates, security scanning tools, and maintaining up-to-date security policies that address third-party component vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the critical need for security-conscious development practices and the importance of thorough security testing, particularly for plugins that handle user input and implement security controls.