CVE-2015-9294 in all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall plugin before 3.9.5 for WordPress has XSS in add_query_arg and remove_query_arg function instances.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The CVE-2015-9294 vulnerability affects the all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall WordPress plugin version 3.9.4 and earlier, presenting a cross-site scripting flaw that impacts the plugin's ability to handle query arguments securely. This vulnerability specifically targets the add_query_arg and remove_query_arg function implementations within the plugin's codebase, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of affected users' browsers.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's query argument handling mechanisms. When the plugin processes user-supplied input through these functions, it fails to properly escape or filter the data before incorporating it into HTML output or JavaScript contexts. This oversight allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit affected pages or interact with the plugin's administrative interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage the XSS flaw to manipulate the plugin's administrative functionality, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive configuration settings or user data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a security plugin designed to protect WordPress installations, creating a scenario where the security tool itself becomes a vector for exploitation.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting flaws and maps to ATT&CK technique T1213.002 Accessing/Intercepting Network Traffic, as it enables attackers to manipulate web traffic and inject malicious content into legitimate web pages. The attack surface includes both frontend and backend interfaces of the WordPress installation, as the plugin's functionality extends to various administrative and user-facing components. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical weakness in the plugin's security architecture, where the very tools meant to secure the system become potential entry points for attackers.
Organizations should immediately update to version 3.9.5 or later of the all-in-one-wp-security-and-firewall plugin to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and output encoding practices throughout their WordPress environments, particularly for any custom plugins or themes that handle user-supplied data. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous script injection patterns, and security audits should be conducted to verify that other plugins and themes do not exhibit similar vulnerabilities in their query argument handling mechanisms.