CVE-2015-9391 in yawpp Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The yawpp plugin through 1.2.2 for WordPress has XSS via the field1 parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2023
The CVE-2015-9391 vulnerability resides within the yawpp WordPress plugin version 1.2.2 and earlier, representing a classic cross-site scripting flaw that compromises user security through improper input validation. This vulnerability specifically affects the field1 parameter within the plugin's functionality, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users. The yawpp plugin, designed for WordPress content management systems, fails to adequately sanitize or escape user-supplied input before rendering it within the application's output, thereby enabling attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a lack of proper input sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, which directly correlates to CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. When the field1 parameter is processed by the plugin without appropriate validation or encoding, it creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be seamlessly injected into the web page's HTML structure. This flaw operates at the application layer of the OSI model, specifically affecting the presentation layer where user input is rendered in web browsers. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites, as it only necessitates that an attacker can influence the field1 parameter through legitimate user interaction or manipulation of the plugin's interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive user information, or redirect victims to malicious domains. The consequences are particularly severe in WordPress environments where administrators and users frequently interact with plugin interfaces, as the attack surface expands to include privileged users who may be targeted for credential theft or privilege escalation. This vulnerability represents a significant risk to WordPress installations that rely on third-party plugins for extended functionality, as it demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation gaps can create substantial security breaches. The attack can be executed through various means including direct parameter manipulation, social engineering tactics, or by exploiting other vulnerabilities that allow parameter injection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9391 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as this represents the most effective defense mechanism against exploitation. Security practitioners should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures to prevent similar issues in custom plugin development, adhering to OWASP's recommendations for preventing cross-site scripting attacks. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, while regular security audits of WordPress plugins should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns targeting known XSS attack vectors, following ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 technique for command and script injection. Regular patch management processes must be established to ensure timely updates of all WordPress components, as this vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining current software versions to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.