CVE-2015-9493 in my-wish-list Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The my-wish-list plugin before 1.4.2 for WordPress has multiple XSS issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/23/2019
The CVE-2015-9493 vulnerability affects the my-wish-list plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 1.4.2, and represents a significant cross-site scripting vulnerability that exposes WordPress installations to persistent security risks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the application's user interface. The issue manifests when the plugin fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, creating opportunities for attackers to execute unauthorized scripts in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability impacts the plugin's functionality where user-generated content is processed and displayed, potentially affecting any WordPress site that utilizes this specific plugin version.
The technical flaw in this vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input through various parameters and form fields that are not adequately sanitized before being rendered in HTML output. This weakness creates a persistent XSS vector that allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the plugin's administrative interfaces or public-facing elements. The vulnerability follows the common pattern of reflected and stored XSS attacks where malicious payloads can be executed when legitimate users view affected pages. The attack surface extends beyond simple script execution to include potential session hijacking, credential theft, and further exploitation of the compromised WordPress installation. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, a fundamental weakness in web application security. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of WordPress and the prevalence of plugins like my-wish-list which often lack the security rigor of core applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9493 extends far beyond the immediate script execution capabilities, as compromised WordPress installations can serve as launching points for broader attacks against the entire web infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator credentials, inject malicious content into user sessions, or redirect users to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The vulnerability particularly affects sites where user-generated content is displayed in wish lists or similar functionality, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit user trust and engagement. Organizations running vulnerable WordPress installations face potential data breaches, reputational damage, and compliance violations that can result in significant financial and operational consequences. The vulnerability's persistence means that once exploited, the malicious scripts can continue to execute against all users who access the affected pages, creating a long-term security risk that may go unnoticed for extended periods. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes the use of malicious web content to gain initial access to systems through user interaction.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-9493 focus primarily on immediate plugin updates to version 1.4.2 or later, which contain the necessary security patches to address the XSS vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement additional protective measures including input validation at multiple layers, output encoding for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of installed plugins. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect suspicious script injection patterns and anomalous user behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional defense-in-depth measure by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded, effectively limiting the impact of any successful XSS attempts. Regular security assessments of WordPress installations should include comprehensive plugin vulnerability scanning to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire application stack. Organizations should also establish secure development practices for plugin customization, ensuring that any modifications maintain proper input sanitization and output encoding standards to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through custom code implementations.