CVE-2015-9375 in Table Rate Shipping Add-on for iThemes Exchange
Summary
by MITRE
Table Rate Shipping 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 vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9375 affects the Table Rate Shipping Add-on for iThemes Exchange version prior to 1.1.0 within the WordPress ecosystem. This represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that specifically targets the add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions used by the plugin. The flaw exists in how the plugin processes and handles query parameters in URL construction, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization of user-supplied parameters that are directly incorporated into the plugin's generated URLs without proper encoding or filtering mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious query parameters that are then processed through the vulnerable add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions. These functions, when improperly handling user input, allow attackers to inject script code that executes in the context of other users who view pages containing the vulnerable parameters. The attack typically involves constructing URLs with malicious payloads that get processed by the plugin's shipping rate calculation logic, ultimately leading to script execution in the victim's browser. This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws, specifically targeting the improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages core WordPress functions that are widely used throughout the ecosystem, making it a potentially widespread issue.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9375 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive user data, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute arbitrary commands on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects WordPress sites using the iThemes Exchange plugin with Table Rate Shipping functionality, potentially compromising the entire user session and exposing sensitive commerce data. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, manipulate shipping calculations, or redirect customers to phishing pages during checkout processes. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of e-commerce transactions, as it can be leveraged to intercept payment information or manipulate order processing. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering attacks through malicious web content, specifically targeting the web application layer where user interactions are processed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the iThemes Exchange plugin to version 1.1.0 or later where the XSS flaws have been addressed. Administrators should also implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms for all user-supplied parameters that are used in URL construction. The recommended approach includes sanitizing all query parameters using WordPress's built-in escaping functions such as esc_url() and esc_attr() before incorporating them into URLs. Additionally, implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script injection attempts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual query parameter patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious traffic and regularly audit their WordPress plugins for known vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing site functionality while maintaining the security posture against similar vulnerabilities in other plugin components.