CVE-2015-9365 in Authorize.net Add-on for iThemes Exchange
Summary
by MITRE
Authorize.net Add-on for iThemes Exchange before 1.1.0 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-2015-9365 vulnerability affects the Authorize.net Add-on for iThemes Exchange version prior to 1.1.0 within the WordPress ecosystem, representing a cross-site scripting weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to inject client-side scripts into web applications. This particular vulnerability leverages the add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions which are commonly used in wordpress plugins and themes to manipulate query parameters in URLs. The flaw exists because these functions do not properly sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into the application's output, creating an avenue for attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the plugin's handling of URL parameters. When the plugin processes query arguments through add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions, it fails to adequately escape or filter potentially malicious data that might be present in the query string. This oversight allows attackers to craft specially formatted URLs containing malicious script payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable plugin, get executed in the browser of any user who visits the affected page. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web browser interactions without requiring elevated privileges or specialized attack tools.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9365 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, deface websites, or redirect users to malicious domains. Given that iThemes Exchange is a widely used e-commerce plugin for wordpress, the attack surface is substantial, affecting numerous websites that process payments through Authorize.net integration. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain access to user credentials, payment information, or other sensitive data that might be exposed during the execution of malicious scripts. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to website reputation and customer trust, as successful exploitation could lead to widespread data breaches and financial losses for affected businesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Authorize.net Add-on for iThemes Exchange to version 1.1.0 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures to prevent similar issues in other components of their web applications, following established security practices outlined in the CWE-79 category for cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual query parameter patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under application layer attacks, specifically within the credential access and persistence domains, making it essential for security teams to implement both preventive measures and detection capabilities to address the threat effectively.