CVE-2016-10873 in wp-database-backup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-database-backup plugin before 4.3.3 for WordPress has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The wp-database-backup plugin for WordPress contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects versions prior to 4.3.3, representing a significant security flaw in the widely used content management system. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which occurs when an application includes untrusted data in a web page without proper validation or encoding. The flaw specifically manifests in the plugin's handling of user input within database backup operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the web application's response.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a victim's browser when they view pages containing maliciously crafted input. This typically occurs through the plugin's backup configuration or execution interfaces where user-supplied parameters are not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser. The vulnerability exists because the plugin fails to implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that would prevent malicious script execution. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially formatted backup names, database credentials, or other parameters that when processed by the vulnerable plugin, result in script injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal sensitive information, or redirect users to malicious sites. In the context of WordPress environments, this vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged to compromise entire websites, especially when administrators or users with elevated privileges interact with the affected plugin. The attack surface is broad since WordPress installations often have numerous users with varying privilege levels, and the plugin may be accessed through various administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to version 4.3.3 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes to properly sanitize input parameters. Organizations should also implement proper input validation at multiple layers, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly escaped before being rendered in web pages. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers can leverage such vulnerabilities to deliver malicious payloads through compromised WordPress installations. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security audits, and establishing proper access controls to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to provide an additional layer of protection against script injection attacks, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security guidelines for web application security.