CVE-2016-10895 in option-tree Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The option-tree plugin before 2.6.0 for WordPress has XSS via an add_list_item or add_social_links AJAX request.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2023
The CVE-2016-10895 vulnerability affects the OptionTree plugin for WordPress versions prior to 2.6.0, representing a significant cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security of WordPress installations. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's AJAX handling mechanisms, particularly the add_list_item and add_social_links functions that are designed to dynamically add content to WordPress admin interfaces. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's backend processing logic, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the admin environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through AJAX requests, which are typically used for seamless user interactions without page reloads, making the attack vector more insidious and harder to detect.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of parameters sent through AJAX endpoints that handle list items and social links within the WordPress admin dashboard. When an attacker crafts malicious input for these specific AJAX handlers, the plugin fails to properly sanitize the data before processing it, allowing malicious scripts to be executed within the context of an authenticated administrator's browser session. This represents a classic cross-site scripting vulnerability where the malicious payload is stored and subsequently executed when administrators access certain admin pages or interact with the affected plugin functionality. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically manifesting as reflected cross-site scripting in the plugin's AJAX processing endpoints. The attack requires minimal privileges since it targets the plugin's AJAX handlers, which are accessible to authenticated users, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their privileges or execute arbitrary code within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10895 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable complete compromise of WordPress installations through privilege escalation and session hijacking attacks. When an administrator interacts with the affected plugin functionality, the malicious JavaScript code executes in their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive administrative functions, modify website content, steal session cookies, or even install malware. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, and T1548.003 for abuse of sudo privileges, as it can facilitate further attacks once an attacker gains initial access through the XSS vector. The impact is particularly severe in environments where administrators frequently use the affected plugin features, as the attack surface expands with each AJAX request that processes user-supplied data without proper validation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10895 require immediate action to upgrade the OptionTree plugin to version 2.6.0 or later, which contains the necessary input sanitization patches. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress plugins remain current with security updates, particularly those that handle user input through AJAX interfaces. Additionally, network-based security controls such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by filtering suspicious AJAX requests, though this approach is less reliable than proper input validation. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of validating all user-supplied data in web applications, especially within AJAX endpoints that may not be subject to the same security controls as traditional web forms. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual AJAX request patterns and unauthorized plugin modifications, while administrative access should be protected through multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of potential compromise. The incident underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and regular security audits of WordPress installations, as recommended by industry standards including the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.