CVE-2016-10912 in universal-analytics Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The universal-analytics plugin before 1.3.1 for WordPress has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10912 affects the universal-analytics plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 1.3.1, and represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that poses significant security risks to affected websites. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The universal-analytics plugin serves as a tracking solution for wordpress websites, integrating google analytics functionality to monitor user behavior and site performance metrics. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's code implementation, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before rendering them in web page output. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that exploit the plugin's handling of tracking parameters or configuration values. When affected websites process these malicious inputs, the injected scripts execute within the context of other users' browsers, potentially enabling unauthorized actions such as session hijacking, data theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer, targeting the web interface where users interact with the wordpress platform and its plugins. The attack vector typically involves manipulation of tracking parameters or user input fields that the plugin processes without adequate sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack campaigns targeting wordpress installations. Compromised websites may experience unauthorized access to user sessions, data exfiltration, and potential establishment of persistent backdoors through the injected malicious code. The vulnerability affects not just individual websites but can also propagate through compromised sites to target other users visiting those pages, creating a broader attack surface. Security researchers have classified this as a medium to high severity vulnerability due to its potential for exploitation and the widespread use of the affected plugin across wordpress installations. Organizations running vulnerable versions of this plugin face risks of reputational damage, regulatory compliance violations, and potential financial losses from data breaches or service disruptions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-10912 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 1.3.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the cross-site scripting vulnerability. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all wordpress installations using the affected plugin and implement immediate remediation measures. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, deploying content security policies, and establishing regular security monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation controls at multiple layers of their web applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for script injection, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive strategies that address both the specific vulnerability and broader application security practices. Regular security audits and patch management protocols are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, particularly given the prevalence of wordpress as a target for cyber attacks due to its widespread adoption and plugin ecosystem.