CVE-2015-9412 in Royal-Slider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Royal-Slider plugin before 3.2.7 for WordPress has XSS via the rstype parameter.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2023
The Royal-Slider plugin for WordPress represents a widely used multimedia gallery solution that enables website administrators to create interactive sliders and carousels for their content. This plugin facilitates the display of images, videos, and other media elements in dynamic presentations that enhance user engagement on websites. However, a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability was identified in versions prior to 3.2.7, specifically targeting the rstype parameter within the plugin's handling mechanism. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that flows directly into the plugin's output rendering process.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin processes the rstype parameter without adequate sanitization measures, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through crafted input values. This parameter typically controls the type of slider presentation or functionality being rendered, but the lack of proper validation means that user-provided content can contain malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored XSS variant where malicious payloads can persist and affect multiple users who view the affected content. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs containing script tags or other malicious payloads within the rstype parameter, which then get executed when legitimate users access pages utilizing the vulnerable plugin.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to user sessions, data exfiltration capabilities, and the ability to perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. When exploited, the vulnerability can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized modifications to website content. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress plugins are frequently used across various website types, from personal blogs to enterprise platforms, making the vulnerability potentially widespread. The malicious scripts could be used to redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies and session tokens, or even install additional malware on visitor machines. This vulnerability particularly affects websites where the Royal-Slider plugin is installed and actively used, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active until the plugin is updated to a secure version.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from website administrators to upgrade the Royal-Slider plugin to version 3.2.7 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization patches. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring for suspicious activity in website logs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests targeting known XSS parameters. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application, emphasizing the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and conducting regular vulnerability assessments. Additionally, developers should implement proper input validation using established sanitization libraries and avoid direct output of user-supplied data without appropriate encoding, aligning with secure coding practices recommended by OWASP and other security organizations. Regular patch management procedures should be established to ensure timely updates of all third-party components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping all software elements current with security patches.