CVE-2015-9533 in Lattice Theme
Summary
by MITRE
The Easy Digital Downloads (EDD) Lattice theme 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 vulnerability CVE-2015-9533 affects the Easy Digital Downloads Lattice theme for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting weakness that emerged in specific version ranges of the EDD plugin. This issue stems from improper usage of the add_query_arg function within the theme's codebase, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability specifically impacts EDD versions 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 exposure across multiple release branches of the plugin. The misused add_query_arg function fails to properly sanitize or escape user-supplied input parameters, allowing attackers to manipulate URL query strings that are subsequently rendered in web pages without adequate security measures.
The technical flaw manifests when the theme processes user input through query parameters that are not adequately validated or escaped before being displayed in HTML contexts. This improper handling creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the browsers of other users who visit affected pages. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers Exploitation for Client Execution through web-based attacks. When an attacker crafts malicious query parameters and persuades users to click on links containing these parameters, the injected scripts can perform actions such as stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing unauthorized commands on behalf of the victim.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks targeting WordPress installations running the affected EDD themes. Attackers could potentially leverage this XSS vulnerability to establish persistent access to compromised sites, harvest user credentials, or manipulate e-commerce transactions within the digital downloads platform. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version ranges suggests a prolonged window of exposure, allowing attackers to exploit it across various WordPress environments that may have different plugin versions installed. Organizations using the affected EDD themes face risks including data theft, unauthorized transactions, and potential compromise of their entire WordPress ecosystem, particularly in e-commerce contexts where sensitive user information and payment data are processed. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it particularly dangerous for widespread deployment across multiple sites.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of all affected EDD versions to the latest secure releases, as well as implementing comprehensive input validation and output escaping mechanisms throughout the theme's codebase. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of all WordPress themes and plugins to identify similar improper usage of query parameter handling functions, as the add_query_arg misuse pattern may exist elsewhere in the codebase. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers, deploying web application firewalls, and establishing robust monitoring for suspicious query parameter patterns in web logs. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be reinforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future, with particular attention to proper sanitization of user input and output escaping in all web application contexts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to detect such issues in their WordPress installations and maintain updated security baselines that align with industry standards such as those recommended by the OWASP Project and NIST guidelines for web application security.