CVE-2016-1000150 in simplified-content Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Reflected XSS in wordpress plugin simplified-content v1.0.0
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1000150 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw within the simplified-content wordpress plugin version 1.0.0. This issue occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into web responses, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject client-side scripts. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the plugin's handling of HTTP request parameters that are directly echoed back to users without adequate input validation or output encoding mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this reflected XSS vulnerability stems from the plugin's insecure coding practices where user-supplied data enters the application through HTTP parameters and flows directly into HTML output without proper sanitization. When a victim visits a maliciously crafted URL containing script code within the plugin's parameter handling, the script executes in the victim's browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious sites. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it enables attackers to compromise user sessions and potentially gain unauthorized access to wordpress admin panels. Attackers can craft URLs that, when clicked by authenticated users, execute malicious scripts that can steal authentication tokens, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised wordpress installation. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the attack payload must be delivered through external means such as phishing emails or compromised websites, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering campaigns.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied data within the plugin's parameter handling functions. The recommended approach involves applying proper HTML escaping before any user data is rendered in web responses, implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and ensuring that all plugin parameters undergo rigorous sanitization. Additionally, users should be advised to update to the latest version of the simplified-content plugin where this vulnerability has been patched, as the vulnerability directly relates to improper input handling practices that are commonly addressed through proper code review and security testing methodologies. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for credential access through social engineering techniques that leverage reflected XSS capabilities.