CVE-2015-9524 in Recount Earnings Extension
Summary
by MITRE
The Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) Recount Earnings extension for WordPress, as used with EDD 1.8.x before 1.8.7, 1.9.x before 1.9.10, 2.0.x before 2.0.5, 2.1.x before 2.1.11, 2.2.x before 2.2.9, and 2.3.x before 2.3.7, has XSS because add_query_arg is misused.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2025
The CVE-2015-9524 vulnerability affects the Easy Digital Downloads WordPress plugin ecosystem, specifically targeting the Recount Earnings extension that was prevalent across multiple versions of the EDD platform. This security flaw represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability that emerged from improper handling of URL parameters within the plugin's administrative interface. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to the specified patches across multiple release branches including 1.8.x through 2.3.x, indicating a widespread issue that impacted numerous users of the popular e-commerce plugin for WordPress. The flaw manifests when the add_query_arg function is misused, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject persistent script code into the plugin's administrative pages.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of query parameters that are processed by the add_query_arg function within the Recount Earnings extension. When administrators navigate to the affected plugin pages, the improperly sanitized input allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of the admin session. This misuses the WordPress core function designed to safely append query arguments to URLs, but fails to properly escape or validate the input parameters before incorporating them into the page output. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface where users with appropriate privileges can trigger the execution of malicious code, potentially leading to complete compromise of the WordPress installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access to compromised WordPress installations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code within the context of the administrator's session, potentially gaining access to sensitive customer data, modifying product listings, altering payment processing, or even installing backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version branches indicates that it was not properly addressed in the plugin's development lifecycle, leaving administrators across different EDD versions exposed to potential exploitation. This creates a significant risk for businesses relying on Easy Digital Downloads for online sales, as the administrative interface becomes a potential attack vector for unauthorized access.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates a clear violation of secure coding practices for input validation and output sanitization. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for scripting and T1566 for spearphishing with social engineering, as attackers could craft malicious URLs to target administrators. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching to versions 1.8.7, 1.9.10, 2.0.5, 2.1.11, 2.2.9, and 2.3.7 respectively, which address the improper use of add_query_arg function. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation measures and consider restricting access to plugin administrative pages through network-level controls or authentication measures. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and maintaining updated security practices remain essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities from compromising e-commerce platforms. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious URL parameter patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.