CVE-2015-9526 in Easy Digital Downloads
Summary
by MITRE
The Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) Reviews 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 • 02/07/2025
The Easy Digital Downloads Reviews extension presents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects multiple versions of the Easy Digital Downloads plugin for WordPress. This vulnerability stems from improper handling of query arguments within the add_query_arg function, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw exists across several version ranges including 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, indicating a widespread issue within the extension's codebase that has persisted across multiple major releases.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the add_query_arg function fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input before incorporating it into URL parameters. This misimplementation allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through URL query strings that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view pages containing these parameters. The vulnerability specifically targets the Reviews extension's handling of user-generated content or administrative parameters, where unfiltered input flows directly into URL construction without appropriate security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized actions within the WordPress admin interface. An attacker could craft malicious URLs that, when visited by administrators or other users, would execute scripts that steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of the victim. This represents a critical security risk for e-commerce sites using Easy Digital Downloads, as the vulnerability could compromise customer data, financial transactions, and overall site integrity. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected versions to the latest available releases that contain the necessary security fixes. System administrators should prioritize updating the Easy Digital Downloads Reviews extension and the core EDD plugin to versions that properly sanitize query arguments. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding measures can help prevent similar issues in the future. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper parameter handling and input sanitization, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities through injection attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues in other plugins and themes within the WordPress ecosystem.