CVE-2016-10705 in Jetpack Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Jetpack plugin before 4.0.4 for WordPress has XSS via the Likes module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/22/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10705 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Jetpack plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness specifically affects versions prior to 4.0.4 and resides within the Likes module functionality. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle malicious user input. When users interact with the Likes feature, the plugin does not adequately filter or escape data before rendering it back to the browser, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious scripts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters within the Likes module interface. Attackers can craft specially formatted requests or comments that contain malicious javascript code, which gets executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected content. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored XSS variant where malicious payloads are persisted on the server and executed when other users access the affected pages. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate plugin functionality to deliver malicious payloads, making detection more challenging for security monitoring systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. When exploited, the XSS flaw allows unauthorized individuals to gain access to user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The attack surface is broad since the Likes module is commonly used across various WordPress installations, making this vulnerability particularly widespread. The flaw also violates fundamental web security principles and can compromise the integrity of user data and the overall security posture of affected WordPress sites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10705 primarily involve upgrading the Jetpack plugin to version 4.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all WordPress installations. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution, enabling proper input validation at multiple layers, and conducting regular security audits of third-party plugins. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of adhering to security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the ATT&CK framework, particularly in relation to web application security controls and the prevention of persistent XSS attacks. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activity related to this vulnerability.