CVE-2015-9351 in feed-them-social Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The feed-them-social plugin before 1.7.0 for WordPress has possible shortcode execution in the Facebook Feeds load more button.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/04/2023
The CVE-2015-9351 vulnerability affects the feed-them-social WordPress plugin version 1.7.0 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper input validation in the Facebook Feeds functionality. This flaw allows for potential code execution through the load more button feature that handles shortcode processing. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data when rendering Facebook feed content, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code within the WordPress environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the shortcode handling mechanism of the feed-them-social plugin where the load more button functionality processes user-generated content without adequate validation or sanitization. When users interact with the Facebook feeds load more button, the plugin processes shortcode parameters that are not properly escaped or validated, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed in the context of the WordPress installation. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be escalated to remote code execution depending on the server configuration and plugin permissions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain full control over the affected WordPress site. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, modify content, steal sensitive information, or use the compromised site as a launching point for attacks against other systems. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate WordPress installation but also potentially the entire network of connected services that rely on the compromised site for operations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9351 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.7.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect any suspicious activity related to Facebook feed processing and shortcode execution. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege separation can limit the damage if exploitation occurs, while regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which addresses cross-site scripting flaws and potentially maps to ATT&CK technique T1190 for exploitation of web applications, emphasizing the need for robust input validation and output encoding practices in web application development.