CVE-2015-9296 in download-monitor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The download-monitor plugin before 1.7.1 for WordPress has XSS related to add_query_arg.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The CVE-2015-9296 vulnerability resides within the download-monitor plugin for WordPress, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.7.1. This security flaw represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that emerges from improper handling of URL query parameters within the plugin's functionality. The issue manifests when the plugin processes user-supplied input through the add_query_arg function, which is a WordPress utility designed to manipulate URL query strings. When malicious actors exploit this vulnerability, they can inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response, potentially compromising user sessions and enabling unauthorized actions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters that the download-monitor plugin uses to track downloads or manage user interactions. The add_query_arg function in WordPress is designed to safely add or modify query parameters in URLs, but in this specific plugin version, the implementation fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before incorporating it into the response. This creates an environment where attackers can inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers who visit pages containing the vulnerable plugin functionality. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and represents a classic example of insufficient output escaping in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially allowing attackers to perform a range of malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. Users who visit pages utilizing the vulnerable download-monitor plugin could unknowingly execute malicious code that might steal session cookies, redirect them to phishing sites, or even modify content displayed on the website. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where multiple users have administrative access, as successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the site. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, install backdoors, or manipulate download tracking data to hide their activities while maintaining control over the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9296 involve immediate patching of the download-monitor plugin to version 1.7.1 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to properly sanitize query parameters. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation on all user-supplied data, output encoding for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of installed WordPress plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter handling in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers the use of malicious file downloads to gain initial access. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious query parameter patterns and maintain comprehensive monitoring of their WordPress installations for similar vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the critical need for regular security updates and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies to protect against persistent threats targeting content management systems.