CVE-2015-9320 in option-tree Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The option-tree plugin before 2.5.4 for WordPress has XSS related to add_query_arg.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2023
The CVE-2015-9320 vulnerability affects the Option-Tree plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 2.5.4, and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that exploits improper handling of URL query parameters. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's implementation of the add_query_arg function which is used to manipulate URLs and query strings within the WordPress administration interface. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into URL parameters that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers when they visit affected pages. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's administrative functionality where users might be redirected or where query parameters are processed without proper sanitization or output encoding.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping within the plugin's handling of query arguments. When the add_query_arg function processes user-supplied parameters, it fails to properly sanitize or encode these inputs before they are rendered in HTML contexts. This creates a classic XSS attack vector where an attacker can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that get executed when administrators or other users navigate to pages that utilize these parameters. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the WordPress admin interface where privileged users are likely to be authenticated and have elevated permissions, making the potential impact significantly greater than typical frontend XSS flaws.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9320 extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker could potentially steal administrator sessions, modify plugin configurations, access sensitive data, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects the plugin's ability to properly validate and sanitize URL parameters, creating a persistent threat vector that could be exploited across multiple WordPress installations running vulnerable versions of the Option-Tree plugin. Given that the plugin was widely used in WordPress environments, this vulnerability created a substantial attack surface that could be leveraged for broader compromise of WordPress sites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9320 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 2.5.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. System administrators should also implement proper input validation and output encoding practices throughout their WordPress installations, ensuring that all URL parameters and user-supplied inputs are properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies to limit script execution, monitoring for suspicious URL patterns, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a common pattern of insecure input handling that falls under the ATT&CK technique T1213 for credential access through web application vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in their WordPress environments.