CVE-2015-9305 in wp-google-map-plugin Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-google-map-plugin plugin before 2.3.7 for WordPress has XSS related to the add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The wp-google-map-plugin vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9305 represents a cross-site scripting weakness affecting WordPress installations through a third-party plugin. This vulnerability specifically targets versions prior to 2.3.7 of the wp-google-map-plugin, which is a widely used mapping solution for wordpress websites. The flaw manifests in the plugin's improper handling of user-supplied input within the add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary javascript code into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization and validation of parameters passed through url query strings, which are commonly used for dynamic content generation and user interaction within web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the WordPress plugin architecture's reliance on query arguments for configuration and data passing. When users interact with the google map plugin interface, query parameters are processed through the add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions without adequate input validation or output encoding. This creates a scenario where malicious actors can craft specially formatted urls containing javascript payloads that persist in the plugin's user interface or administrative panels. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including social engineering, compromised user accounts, or direct url manipulation. According to the common weakness enumeration framework, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9305 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal user credentials, or redirect visitors to malicious sites. In a wordpress environment, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to administrative panels, modify content, or escalate privileges. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many wordpress installations rely on third-party plugins for core functionality, and the wp-google-map-plugin was widely deployed across various website types and industries. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise wordpress sites at scale. Security researchers have noted that the impact is amplified when the plugin is used in conjunction with other vulnerable components or when administrators have elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate plugin updates to version 2.3.7 or later, which contain the necessary sanitization patches for the affected functions. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation measures at the application level, including proper escaping of output data and implementation of content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense in depth, though they should not be relied upon as the sole mitigation. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all installed plugins and maintain updated inventories of third-party components. According to the mitre att&ck framework, this vulnerability aligns with the initial access and execution tactics, specifically targeting the exploitation of software vulnerabilities to establish persistent access to target systems. Regular security monitoring and automated patch management processes are essential for preventing exploitation of such vulnerabilities in production environments.