CVE-2015-9410 in Blubrry PowerPress Podcasting Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Blubrry PowerPress Podcasting plugin 6.0.4 for WordPress has XSS via the tab parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2023
The Blubrry PowerPress Podcasting plugin version 6.0.4 for WordPress contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from improper input validation of the tab parameter. This flaw 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 specifically manifests when the plugin processes user-supplied tab parameters without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms, creating an entry point for malicious actors to exploit the WordPress installation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate and sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamic web page content. When a user navigates to a page controlled by the PowerPress plugin and provides a tab parameter in the URL, the plugin directly incorporates this parameter into HTML output without appropriate encoding or validation. This creates a classic reflected cross-site scripting scenario where malicious input is immediately executed in the victim's browser context, bypassing standard security measures that typically protect against such attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to administrative functions within the WordPress environment. An attacker could craft malicious URLs containing specially formatted tab parameters that, when clicked by an administrator or privileged user, would execute malicious scripts in their browser context. This could lead to session token theft, unauthorized modifications to podcast content, or even complete compromise of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely used podcasting plugin, increasing the potential attack surface and impact.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin version, as well as implementing input validation and output encoding measures. Organizations should ensure that all user-supplied parameters undergo proper sanitization before being incorporated into web page output. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits of WordPress plugins can help identify similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a typical attack vector categorized under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through phishing. Regular monitoring of plugin updates and maintaining a secure WordPress environment through proper configuration and security hardening practices remains essential for preventing exploitation of such vulnerabilities.