CVE-2015-9389 in mtouch-quiz Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The mtouch-quiz plugin before 3.1.3 for WordPress has XSS via a quiz name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2023
The CVE-2015-9389 vulnerability affects the mtouch-quiz plugin version 3.1.2 and earlier for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into quiz names. This flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user input, specifically when processing quiz names that are displayed on the website without proper sanitization or encoding. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of other users' browsers. The issue is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where multiple users interact with quiz content, as it can be exploited to compromise user sessions or redirect them to malicious websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-provided quiz names before rendering them in HTML output contexts. When administrators or users create quizzes with names containing malicious script tags, these inputs are stored in the database and subsequently displayed on quiz pages without appropriate HTML escaping or sanitization. This creates a classic XSS vector where the malicious payload executes in the browser context of other users who view the affected quiz. The vulnerability is classified as a reflected XSS issue since the malicious script is executed when the page containing the unsanitized quiz name is loaded. According to CWE standards, this represents a CWE-79: Cross-site Scripting vulnerability, specifically categorized under the "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation" subcategory.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9389 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, or redirect users to phishing sites. An attacker could craft a quiz name containing malicious JavaScript that steals cookies, modifies page content, or redirects users to malicious domains. This vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the mtouch-quiz plugin is installed, particularly impacting educational institutions, businesses, and organizations relying on WordPress for quiz-based content delivery. The attack surface is significant since quiz names are often editable by multiple user roles, including administrators and editors, making the vulnerability accessible to various threat actors within the system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9389 include immediate patching of the mtouch-quiz plugin to version 3.1.3 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as input validation at multiple layers, proper HTML escaping for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of installed plugins. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth against XSS attacks by restricting script execution. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables JavaScript-based attacks, and T1566: Phishing, since the attack can be used to redirect users to malicious sites. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns that could indicate XSS attempts, particularly targeting the specific plugin endpoints and input fields where this vulnerability manifests.