CVE-2015-9358 in FeedWordPress Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The feedwordpress plugin before 2015.0514 for WordPress has XSS via add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg().
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2023
The CVE-2015-9358 vulnerability affects the FeedWordPress plugin version prior to 2015.0514 for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that exploits improper handling of URL parameters. This vulnerability specifically targets the add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions within the plugin's codebase, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into WordPress admin interfaces. The flaw resides in how the plugin processes and sanitizes query string parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate URL parameters that are subsequently reflected in the user interface without proper input validation or output encoding.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied input within the WordPress plugin's feed processing functionality. When FeedWordPress handles RSS feed data containing malicious query parameters, the add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions fail to properly escape or validate the input before rendering it in the admin dashboard. This creates a persistent XSS vector where an attacker can craft specially formatted URLs that, when accessed by administrators, execute malicious scripts in their browser context. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the WordPress admin environment where users typically have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9358 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and compromise entire WordPress installations. An authenticated attacker with access to the WordPress admin interface can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, modify content, install malicious plugins, or even gain remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability affects not only individual blog administrators but also organizations that rely on WordPress for content management, as compromised admin sessions can lead to complete system takeover. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic cross-site scripting weakness where untrusted data flows into web pages without proper validation or encoding, making it a prime target for exploitation in targeted attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9358 require immediate patching of the FeedWordPress plugin to version 2015.0514 or later, which includes proper input validation and output sanitization for query parameters. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing, particularly focusing on URL parameters that pass through WordPress's add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1566 for credential access through social engineering, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers and regular security audits of WordPress plugins can prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, while monitoring for suspicious query parameter patterns in web server logs can help detect exploitation attempts.