CVE-2016-1000133 in forget-about-shorcode-buttons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Reflected XSS in wordpress plugin forget-about-shortcode-buttons v1.1.1
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1000133 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw within the forget-about-shortcode-buttons wordpress plugin version 1.1.1. This issue arises from improper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's handling of user-supplied data. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's admin interface where it fails to properly sanitize and escape user input before rendering it back to the browser. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious URLs that contain scripted payloads which are then reflected back to authenticated users who visit the compromised page. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, commonly known as cross-site scripting. This weakness allows adversaries to inject malicious client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to convince a victim administrator to click on a specially crafted link that contains malicious javascript code within the plugin's parameter handling. When the administrator visits the malicious URL, the plugin fails to properly encode the reflected input, allowing the injected script to execute within the victim's browser context. This type of attack typically leverages the principle of trust that administrators place in their own systems, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed through legitimate administrative interfaces. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which describes social engineering tactics involving malicious links or files that trick users into executing malicious code. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative interface of wordpress, providing potential attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive system functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can lead to complete compromise of the wordpress installation. An attacker who successfully exploits this reflected XSS vulnerability can establish persistent access through session hijacking, steal administrator credentials, or modify plugin configurations to maintain access. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in environments where administrators frequently interact with external links or where the plugin is used in conjunction with other security-sensitive functionalities. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this plugin face significant risk of unauthorized access to their content management systems, potentially leading to data breaches, defacement, or complete system compromise. The attack requires minimal sophistication and can be automated, making it attractive to both script kiddies and organized threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.1.2 or later which contains the necessary input sanitization fixes. Administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding measures across all plugin interfaces to prevent similar issues from occurring. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense by detecting and blocking malicious payloads before they reach the vulnerable application. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual administrative activities and suspicious URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of installed plugins and themes should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege access controls and multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts to minimize the impact of potential compromises. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the critical need for proper input validation in web applications.