CVE-2015-9502 in Auberge Theme
Summary
by MITRE
The Auberge theme before 1.4.5 for WordPress has XSS via the genericons/example.html anchor identifier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/17/2024
The CVE-2015-9502 vulnerability affects the Auberge WordPress theme version 1.4.4 and earlier, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that emerges from improper input validation within the theme's genericons/example.html file. This vulnerability specifically targets the anchor identifier parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by unsuspecting users. The issue stems from the theme's failure to sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated HTML content, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the genericons/example.html file processes anchor identifiers without adequate sanitization measures. When a user navigates to a page that includes this vulnerable theme component, the malicious payload embedded within the anchor identifier parameter gets executed in the victim's browser. This type of flaw falls under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal prerequisites since it leverages existing functionality within the theme's legitimate code paths, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through normal user interactions with the affected website.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-9502 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of web content, and redirection to phishing sites. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation running the affected Auberge theme version, potentially compromising thousands of websites that have not updated to the patched version 1.4.5. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to user sessions, steal sensitive information, or manipulate website content, particularly targeting websites that rely on the Auberge theme for their presentation layer. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting languages and T1566.002 which involves credential access through phishing attacks, demonstrating how such vulnerabilities can serve as entry points for broader compromise campaigns.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately update to the patched version 1.4.5 of the Auberge theme or implement temporary mitigations such as input validation rules and content security policies. The recommended remediation strategy involves applying the official theme update from the vendor while also implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious anchor identifier patterns. Additional defensive measures should include regular security auditing of WordPress themes and plugins, implementation of proper input sanitization practices, and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to theme files. Security professionals should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates across all WordPress installations, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor flaws in theme components can create significant security risks for entire web infrastructures.