CVE-2016-10957 in Akal Theme
Summary
by MITRE
The Akal theme through 2016-08-22 for WordPress has XSS via the framework/brad-shortcodes/tinymce/preview.php sc parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10957 affects the Akal WordPress theme version 2016-08-22 and earlier, presenting a cross-site scripting vulnerability through the framework/brad-shortcodes/tinymce/preview.php endpoint. This flaw specifically involves the sc parameter which is susceptible to malicious input injection, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability exists within the theme's shortcode preview functionality that is typically accessed through the WordPress admin interface during content creation or editing processes.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious input for the sc parameter in the preview.php file, which then gets rendered without proper sanitization or output encoding. This allows for the execution of malicious scripts in the browser of any user who views the affected preview page, particularly targeting administrators or privileged users who frequently use the theme's shortcode functionality. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a cross-site scripting flaw, specifically representing a client-side code injection vulnerability that bypasses normal security restrictions imposed by the browser's same-origin policy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to complete compromise of WordPress administrator accounts through session hijacking, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within the compromised environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that may steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform unauthorized actions within the WordPress administration interface. The vulnerability affects not only the targeted WordPress site but also creates potential risks for users who may be logged into multiple WordPress installations or services that share authentication tokens.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the Akal theme to version 2016-08-23 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. WordPress administrators should also implement proper input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, particularly within admin interfaces and shortcode preview mechanisms. Additional protective measures include restricting access to the preview.php endpoint through proper authentication controls, implementing content security policies to limit script execution, and monitoring for suspicious parameter usage patterns. Organizations should also consider applying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input attempts targeting known vulnerable parameters. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566 as a credential access technique through the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive web application security controls including input validation and secure coding practices.