CVE-2016-10974 in fluid-responsive-slideshow Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The fluid-responsive-slideshow plugin before 2.2.7 for WordPress has frs_save CSRF with resultant stored XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10974 affects the fluid-responsive-slideshow WordPress plugin version 2.2.6 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that combines cross-site request forgery with stored cross-site scripting. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and authentication mechanisms within the plugin's administrative interface, specifically in the frs_save functionality that handles slideshow configuration data. The vulnerability exists because the plugin fails to implement proper nonce validation when processing administrative requests, allowing attackers to execute unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of a CSRF vector that enables attackers to manipulate the slideshow settings through malicious requests. When administrators visit compromised pages or click on malicious links, the plugin's frs_save endpoint processes these requests without sufficient verification of the request origin or user authorization. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the slideshow configuration parameters, which then gets stored in the WordPress database and executed whenever the slideshow is rendered on the website. The stored XSS occurs because the plugin does not properly sanitize or escape the user-supplied input before saving it to the database, creating a persistent security risk that affects all users who view the affected content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data corruption or unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to execute arbitrary code within the context of the victim's browser session. This capability enables attackers to perform actions such as stealing administrative credentials, modifying website content, redirecting users to malicious sites, or installing malware on visitor systems. The vulnerability affects not only the plugin's functionality but also the broader WordPress installation, as successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the affected website. The stored nature of the XSS means that the malicious code persists even after the initial attack vector is closed, continuously affecting visitors until the malicious content is removed from the database.
Security professionals should note this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery, and CWE-79, which covers Cross-Site Scripting. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through web application exploitation, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent access to compromised WordPress installations. Organizations should immediately update to version 2.2.7 or later of the fluid-responsive-slideshow plugin to remediate this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing web application firewalls, monitoring for suspicious administrative requests, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms in web applications, particularly in administrative interfaces where privileged actions can be executed through CSRF attacks.