CVE-2016-10979 in fossura-tag-miner Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The fossura-tag-miner plugin before 1.1.5 for WordPress has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2023
The fossura-tag-miner plugin for WordPress contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects versions prior to 1.1.5, representing a significant security flaw in the content management system ecosystem. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into web pages viewed by other users. The issue specifically manifests when the plugin processes user-supplied data without proper escaping or encoding mechanisms, creating an avenue for attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of affected websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to adequately sanitize user input before rendering it in web pages. When users interact with the plugin's interface or when the plugin processes data from external sources, the lack of proper input validation creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious payloads. This flaw aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the trust that web applications place in user-supplied data, allowing attackers to bypass standard security measures that protect against malicious code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, defacement of web content, data theft, and redirection to malicious websites. Users who visit pages containing the vulnerable plugin may unknowingly execute malicious JavaScript code that can capture their credentials, monitor their browser activities, or modify website content. The vulnerability affects not only the plugin's immediate functionality but also compromises the overall security posture of WordPress installations that utilize this component, as it provides attackers with a foothold that can be leveraged for further exploitation within the web application environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to the patched version 1.1.5 or later, which incorporates proper input validation and output sanitization measures. Security administrators should also implement additional protective measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, implementation of web application firewalls, and enforcement of proper content security policies. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the upgrade does not introduce compatibility issues with existing website functionality. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring systems to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for addressing any security breaches that may occur. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper input validation practices within web applications, as outlined in various cybersecurity frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework for web application exploitation techniques.