CVE-2016-1000139 in infusionsoft Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Reflected XSS in wordpress plugin infusionsoft v1.5.11
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1000139 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw within the Infusionsoft WordPress plugin version 1.5.11. This security weakness allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially compromising the integrity of the affected WordPress installation and the data of its users. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the plugin's handling of user input parameters that are not properly sanitized or validated before being reflected back to the browser. The flaw exists in the plugin's code execution flow where user-supplied data enters the application through HTTP request parameters and is subsequently echoed back to the client without adequate output encoding or validation mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this reflected XSS vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code within the plugin's parameter handling mechanism. When a victim clicks on the crafted link, the malicious script executes within the victim's browser context, potentially stealing session cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or performing unauthorized actions on behalf of the user. The vulnerability is classified as reflected XSS under CWE-79, which specifically addresses the improper handling of untrusted data in web applications. This weakness allows attackers to bypass the same-origin policy and execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim's browser, potentially leading to account takeover, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the compromised system. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction beyond clicking a malicious link, making it highly effective for social engineering campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to WordPress installations through session hijacking or credential theft. When the Infusionsoft plugin is used in conjunction with WordPress, the vulnerability creates a potential attack surface that could be leveraged to compromise entire websites, especially those handling sensitive customer data or user authentication. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload is not stored on the server but is instead reflected back to the user through HTTP responses, making it particularly challenging to detect and prevent. Attackers can utilize this weakness to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to session fixation, phishing attacks, or redirecting users to malicious domains that can harvest sensitive information from authenticated sessions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the Infusionsoft plugin to version 1.5.12 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to prevent the reflected XSS attack vector. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their WordPress installations, particularly focusing on parameter handling within plugins and themes. Network security controls such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious input patterns that match known XSS attack signatures. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded and executed within the browser context. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in other plugins and themes, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding practices in preventing cross-site scripting attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1213 technique for Data from Information Repositories, as it enables attackers to access and potentially exfiltrate sensitive data through compromised web applications.