CVE-2015-9376 in iThemes Mobile
Summary
by MITRE
iThemes Mobile before 1.2.8 for WordPress has XSS via add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg().
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2015-9376 affects the iThemes Mobile plugin version 1.2.7 and earlier for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that specifically targets the add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions. This issue allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of victims. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping within the plugin's handling of query arguments, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the WordPress ecosystem through this specific plugin component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the iThemes Mobile plugin processes user-supplied input through the add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() WordPress functions without proper sanitization. These functions are designed to manipulate URL query parameters, but the plugin fails to adequately escape or validate the parameters before they are rendered in the browser context. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script tags or other harmful payloads that get executed when the affected plugin processes these parameters. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities arising from improper input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic insufficient output escaping scenario where untrusted data flows directly into HTML contexts without appropriate sanitization measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9376 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling sophisticated attack vectors within the WordPress environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, modify website content, or establish persistent access through session manipulation. The affected plugin's integration with WordPress core functions makes the attack surface particularly concerning, as successful exploitation could compromise entire WordPress installations. The vulnerability affects not just individual users but potentially entire websites that rely on the iThemes Mobile plugin for responsive design functionality. This type of vulnerability fits within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique category, specifically targeting web applications through script injection methods, and represents a common exploitation pattern for gaining unauthorized access to web-based systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9376 require immediate patching of the iThemes Mobile plugin to version 1.2.8 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and output escaping fixes. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including web application firewalls, input validation rules, and regular security audits of installed WordPress plugins. The remediation process should include monitoring for any signs of exploitation attempts and ensuring all WordPress components remain updated. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts and reduce the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Security teams must evaluate their existing monitoring capabilities to detect unusual query parameter patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as this vulnerability specifically targets URL parameter manipulation rather than traditional form-based input methods. The fix implemented in version 1.2.8 demonstrates proper secure coding practices including parameter sanitization and appropriate output encoding to prevent malicious script injection in web applications.