CVE-2015-9403 in neuvoo-jobroll Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The neuvoo-jobroll plugin 2.0 for WordPress has neuvoo_location XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2023
The CVE-2015-9403 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the neuvoo-jobroll plugin version 2.0 for WordPress platforms. This vulnerability specifically affects the neuvoo_location parameter handling within the plugin's functionality, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages viewed by other users. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, particularly when processing location-related data submitted through the WordPress admin interface or frontend forms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script tags or other executable code within the neuvoo_location field. When this malformed data is processed and displayed on the WordPress site, the embedded scripts execute in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected pages. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security where user-controllable data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can be leveraged for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9403 is significant for WordPress administrators and site owners who have deployed the affected neuvoo-jobroll plugin. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to compromise user sessions, steal sensitive information, or manipulate content displayed on the website. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress ecosystem where the plugin is installed, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts or manipulate job listings and related content. Given that WordPress powers millions of websites, the potential attack surface is extensive, particularly for sites that rely on job posting functionality and user-generated content. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers could craft malicious job listings or location entries that, when clicked by unsuspecting users, would execute harmful scripts in their browsers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from affected WordPress administrators. The primary recommendation involves updating the neuvoo-jobroll plugin to a patched version that properly sanitizes user input before rendering it on web pages. Additionally, administrators should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms that filter out potentially malicious characters and scripts from all user-submitted data. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of defense by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed on the website. Regular security audits and monitoring of plugin updates are essential practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block known XSS attack patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the potential consequences of neglecting plugin security updates, as this particular flaw could have remained undetected for extended periods, allowing persistent exploitation of vulnerable WordPress installations.