CVE-2015-9441 in bookmarkify Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The bookmarkify plugin 2.9.2 for WordPress has CSRF with resultant XSS via wp-admin/options-general.php?page=bookmarkify.php.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2023
The CVE-2015-9441 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the bookmarkify plugin version 2.9.2 for WordPress systems. This vulnerability combines both cross-site request forgery and cross-site scripting attack vectors, creating a particularly dangerous exploit that can compromise WordPress installations. The flaw specifically resides within the wp-admin/options-general.php?page=bookmarkify.php endpoint, which serves as the administrative interface for configuring the bookmarkify plugin settings. The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of user requests and lack of proper anti-CSRF token implementation, allowing malicious actors to execute unauthorized actions against vulnerable WordPress sites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic CSRF attack pattern where an attacker crafts malicious requests that appear to originate from authenticated administrators. When an administrator visits a compromised page or clicks on a malicious link, the browser automatically submits requests to the WordPress admin interface without requiring additional authentication. The bookmarkify plugin fails to validate the origin of these requests or implement proper CSRF protection mechanisms, making it possible for attackers to manipulate plugin settings through crafted HTTP requests. The XSS component emerges because the plugin does not properly sanitize or escape user input before rendering it in the browser context, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of the administrator's session.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9441 extends beyond simple data theft or modification, as it provides attackers with a pathway to establish persistent access to WordPress installations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can modify plugin configurations, potentially injecting malicious code or redirecting users to phishing sites. The combination of CSRF and XSS creates a powerful attack vector that can lead to complete compromise of the WordPress administration interface. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress installations where administrators frequently visit untrusted websites or where users have access to administrative functions, as the attack can be delivered through social engineering tactics or compromised third-party websites. The attack chain typically involves luring an administrator to visit a malicious page that automatically submits CSRF requests to the vulnerable WordPress installation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9441 require immediate action to address both the CSRF and XSS vulnerabilities within the affected plugin. Organizations should prioritize updating to the latest version of the bookmarkify plugin where these vulnerabilities have been patched, as the vendor likely implemented proper CSRF token validation and input sanitization measures. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as Content Security Policy headers to mitigate potential XSS impacts, and regular monitoring of WordPress plugin updates to ensure all security patches are applied promptly. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and CWE-79, which covers Cross-Site Scripting, making it a compound vulnerability that requires comprehensive remediation. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script injection techniques and T1547.001 for privilege escalation through administrative access, demonstrating how initial compromise can lead to broader system infiltration.