CVE-2015-9416 in sitepress-multilingual-cms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The sitepress-multilingual-cms (WPML) plugin 2.9.3 to 3.2.6 for WordPress has XSS via the Accept-Language HTTP header.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-9416 affects the sitepress-multilingual-cms plugin for WordPress, specifically versions ranging from 2.9.3 through 3.2.6. This represents a cross-site scripting weakness that arises from improper handling of user input within the plugin's codebase. The vulnerability manifests when the plugin processes the Accept-Language HTTP header, which is typically sent by web browsers to indicate preferred language settings for content negotiation. The flaw occurs because the plugin fails to adequately sanitize or escape data derived from this header before incorporating it into web page responses, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's insufficient input validation mechanisms when processing HTTP headers. When a user visits a WordPress site running the vulnerable WPML plugin, the server receives the Accept-Language header from the browser and subsequently processes this information without proper sanitization. This oversight allows an attacker to craft a malicious Accept-Language header containing script tags or other malicious payloads that get executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and represents a classic example of how untrusted data can be improperly handled within web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9416 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code in the browsers of authenticated users who visit the compromised site. This could lead to session hijacking, credential theft, or the redirection of users to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where administrators or other privileged users might access the compromised site, as it could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive administrative functions. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments and T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication as it can be exploited through simple HTTP header manipulation, making it accessible to attackers with basic web security knowledge.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS flaw, as the vendor likely released patches to sanitize the Accept-Language header processing. Organizations should implement comprehensive security monitoring to detect anomalous Accept-Language header patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious payloads, though the most effective defense remains prompt patch management. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of WordPress plugins and maintain up-to-date inventories of installed plugins to prevent similar issues from arising in other components of the web application stack. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output sanitization practices in preventing XSS attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.