CVE-2016-1000130 in e-search Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Reflected XSS in wordpress plugin e-search v1.0
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1000130 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw within the e-search plugin version 1.0 for WordPress platforms. This security weakness allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially compromising the integrity of the affected WordPress installations. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the plugin's handling of user-supplied input parameters that are not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered in web responses.
The technical implementation of this reflected XSS vulnerability occurs when the e-search plugin processes query parameters or other user input without adequate sanitization measures. When a victim visits a maliciously crafted URL containing script code within the plugin's search functionality, the malicious payload gets executed in the victim's browser context. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored on the server, making it particularly dangerous for targeted attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers can craft URLs that, when clicked by authenticated users with administrative privileges, could lead to complete compromise of the WordPress installation. This vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites using the e-search plugin version 1.0, where the plugin fails to properly escape output before rendering user input in web responses. The attack vector typically involves sending crafted URLs to unsuspecting users through phishing emails or social engineering techniques, leveraging the trust relationship between the user and the website.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader ATT&CK framework categories including T1566 for phishing techniques and T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage. The remediation strategy involves immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and output sanitization measures. Additionally, administrators should implement proper content security policies, regularly audit plugin installations, and monitor for unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly in content management systems where plugins often handle user input without proper security considerations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities across their WordPress installations.