CVE-2016-10976 in safe-editor Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The safe-editor plugin before 1.2 for WordPress has no se_save authentication, with resultant XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2023
The CVE-2016-10976 vulnerability affects the safe-editor plugin version 1.2 and earlier for WordPress platforms, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of web applications. This vulnerability stems from the absence of proper authentication mechanisms within the plugin's secure editor functionality, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to bypass security controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the se_save endpoint, which is responsible for handling save operations within the plugin's interface, leaving it susceptible to unauthorized access and manipulation.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the safe-editor plugin failing to validate user credentials or session tokens before processing save requests. This authentication bypass enables attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks by injecting malicious JavaScript code through the vulnerable save functionality. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-352, which encompasses Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) conditions, as the missing authentication allows unauthorized operations to be performed on behalf of legitimate users. The flaw operates at the application layer of the OSI model, specifically affecting the web application's input validation and access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10976 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete compromise of user sessions and potential data exfiltration. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts in the context of authenticated users, potentially accessing sensitive information, modifying content, or performing administrative actions within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers spearphishing attacks that can lead to credential compromise and privilege escalation. The lack of authentication checks creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the plugin is properly updated, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate plugin updates to version 1.2 or later, which contain the necessary authentication controls and input validation mechanisms. System administrators should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious save requests, while conducting thorough security audits of installed WordPress plugins to identify similar authentication flaws. Additional protective measures include implementing strict content security policies, regularly monitoring user activity logs for unusual save operations, and ensuring that all WordPress components remain updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper authentication implementation in web applications and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when access control mechanisms are inadequately designed or implemented.