CVE-2016-10980 in kento-post-view-counter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The kento-post-view-counter plugin through 2.8 for WordPress has XSS via kento_pvc_geo.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2023
The kento-post-view-counter plugin for WordPress contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's geo location functionality. This vulnerability specifically affects versions 2.8 and earlier, making it a significant concern for WordPress users who have not updated their installations. The flaw resides in how the plugin processes the kento_pvc_geo parameter, which is designed to track geographic location data for post views. When this parameter is improperly handled, it creates an opening for attackers to execute malicious code within the context of a victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase. The kento_pvc_geo parameter, which is typically used to store geographic information such as country or city data, is not properly escaped or filtered before being rendered on web pages. This allows malicious actors to inject script tags or other malicious payloads that can be executed when other users view pages where the counter data is displayed. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic example of unsafe handling of user-supplied data in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially steal administrator credentials, modify content, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the plugin is designed to track post views, making it likely that the vulnerable parameter is frequently accessed and displayed on public-facing WordPress sites. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering attacks through malicious web content, and could be leveraged as part of broader attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the kento-post-view-counter plugin to version 2.9 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. WordPress administrators should also implement proper input validation and output encoding practices, particularly for parameters that handle geographic location data. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injections, conducting regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring for suspicious activity in plugin-related data. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution and establish regular update procedures to ensure all WordPress components remain current with security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date plugins and the potential consequences of failing to address known security issues in content management systems.