CVE-2016-11013 in wp-listings Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-listings plugin before 2.0.2 for WordPress has includes/views/single-listing.php XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2023
The wp-listings plugin vulnerability CVE-2016-11013 represents a cross-site scripting flaw that specifically affects versions prior to 2.0.2 within the WordPress ecosystem. This security weakness exists in the single-listing.php view file, which is responsible for rendering individual listing displays on websites utilizing this plugin. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the web application's response.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability occurs when user-supplied data is directly rendered into the HTML output without proper validation or encoding. In the context of the wp-listings plugin, when a single listing is displayed, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize parameters that are passed to the single-listing.php template. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious input through listing fields or URL parameters that get reflected back to users without proper HTML escaping. This creates an environment where JavaScript code can be executed in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker could craft malicious listings that, when viewed by other users, would execute malicious scripts that could steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the plugin, which is designed to display property listings and other business information, making it particularly dangerous in commercial or professional contexts where sensitive data might be displayed. The attack vector is relatively simple to exploit, requiring only that an attacker can submit listings or manipulate URL parameters that are then rendered in the vulnerable template.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the wp-listings plugin to version 2.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms at multiple layers of their web applications, following secure coding practices that align with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting prevention guidelines. Additional protective measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, regular security auditing of WordPress plugins, and monitoring for suspicious listing submissions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework techniques related to initial access through web application vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities in their WordPress installations.