CVE-2015-9379 in iThemes Builder Style Manager
Summary
by MITRE
iThemes Builder Style Manager before 0.7.7 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-2015-9379 affects the iThemes Builder Style Manager plugin version 0.7.6 and earlier, which is a popular WordPress plugin designed to enhance the visual customization capabilities of websites. This security flaw resides within the plugin's handling of URL query parameters, specifically through the manipulation of add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions that are core WordPress APIs for managing URL parameters. The vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase. When the iThemes Builder Style Manager processes user-supplied parameters through the WordPress add_query_arg() and remove_query_arg() functions, it fails to properly escape or filter these inputs before rendering them in the web page context. This oversight creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that get executed in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit pages managed by the vulnerable plugin. The flaw specifically affects how the plugin handles the manipulation of URL parameters, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users might be诱导 to click on malicious links or where the plugin is used in conjunction with other vulnerable components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of website content, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the affected plugin version, making it a widespread concern for website administrators who may not be actively monitoring plugin updates. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to compromise user sessions, particularly if the affected website handles sensitive information or authentication tokens. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be delivered through seemingly legitimate URLs that appear to be part of normal website navigation, making user awareness and detection more challenging.
Security practitioners should note this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as a critical weakness in web applications. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a technique involving web application exploitation, specifically under the T1212 - Exploitation for Credential Access or T1566 - Phishing techniques where the XSS can be used to harvest credentials. The remediation strategy requires immediate patching of the iThemes Builder Style Manager plugin to version 0.7.7 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Additionally, website administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of plugin usage, conduct regular security audits, and establish automated update mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and input validation at multiple layers to provide defense-in-depth against similar cross-site scripting threats. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper parameter handling in WordPress plugins and serves as a reminder of the critical need for thorough security testing and validation of third-party components before deployment in production environments.