CVE-2015-9469 in content-grabber Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The content-grabber plugin 1.0 for WordPress has XSS via obj_field_name or obj_field_id.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/07/2024
The CVE-2015-9469 vulnerability resides within the content-grabber plugin version 1.0 for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that directly impacts web application security. This vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of user-supplied input through the obj_field_name or obj_field_id parameters, creating a persistent vector for malicious code injection. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input containing script tags or other malicious payloads within the obj_field_name or obj_field_id parameters. When the vulnerable plugin processes this input without proper sanitization, the malicious code gets stored and subsequently executed whenever legitimate users view the affected content. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting weaknesses in web applications. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices where user-provided data is directly incorporated into the application's output without adequate security measures to prevent code injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9469 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized administrative access to WordPress installations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in WordPress environments where administrators or privileged users may interact with content-grabber plugin functionality, as it provides attackers with potential paths to escalate privileges and compromise entire websites. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through malicious content delivery.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate plugin updates to versions that properly sanitize user input and validate parameter values. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures including whitelisting acceptable characters, implementing proper output encoding, and employing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. The remediation process must include thorough code review of the plugin's handling of obj_field_name and obj_field_id parameters to ensure that all user-supplied data undergoes proper sanitization before being processed or displayed. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other plugins or themes.