CVE-2016-1000131 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 CVE-2016-1000131 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the e-search WordPress plugin version 1.0. This security weakness specifically affects web applications that utilize the e-search plugin for WordPress content management systems, creating a significant risk for website administrators and end users who interact with the affected platform. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical implementation of this reflected XSS vulnerability occurs when the e-search plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before incorporating them into HTML output responses. When a user submits search queries or navigates through the plugin's interface, the input data passes through the application's processing pipeline without adequate filtering or encoding measures. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs containing script payloads that are then reflected back to the victim's browser when they access the compromised page. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and more precisely maps to CWE-79-Reflected, indicating the vulnerability's characteristic of reflecting malicious input directly back to users without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive user data and session information. When successful, reflected XSS attacks can enable session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. The e-search plugin's reflected XSS vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser, potentially allowing them to steal cookies, modify page content, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. This weakness is particularly dangerous in WordPress environments where administrators may have elevated privileges and where user interactions with the search functionality are common. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers Phishing with Malicious Attachments, as attackers can leverage the reflected XSS to deliver malicious payloads through crafted search parameters that appear legitimate to users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action from WordPress administrators, including updating to patched versions of the e-search plugin, implementing proper input validation measures, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The most effective solution involves upgrading to a patched version of the plugin that properly sanitizes all user inputs and implements appropriate output encoding techniques. Security professionals should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, with particular attention to plugins that handle user input through URL parameters or form submissions. Organizations should also implement proper security monitoring and logging to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain up-to-date vulnerability assessments to prevent similar issues from arising in other components of their web infrastructure.