CVE-2016-4826 in Collne Welcart e-Commerce Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Collne Welcart e-Commerce plugin before 1.8.3 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-4827.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2025
The CVE-2016-4826 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Collne Welcart e-Commerce plugin for WordPress systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.8.3. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which defines improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic example of an XSS attack vector that can compromise user sessions and data integrity. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's handling of user-supplied input data that is subsequently rendered in web pages without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms. Unlike CVE-2016-4827 which addresses a different attack surface, this particular flaw focuses on unspecified vectors within the plugin's data processing pipeline, indicating that the vulnerability could potentially manifest through multiple input points within the e-commerce functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML code into web pages viewed by other users. This occurs when user input is not properly validated or escaped before being displayed in the plugin's administrative interfaces or frontend components. The attack typically involves an attacker crafting malicious payloads that exploit the plugin's failure to sanitize input parameters, which are then executed in the browsers of unsuspecting users. The impact extends beyond simple script execution to potentially enable session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which describes the use of malicious inputs to execute code in web applications, making it particularly dangerous in e-commerce environments where sensitive user data and transactions are processed.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-4826 is significant for WordPress administrators and users of the Collne Welcart plugin, as it creates persistent security risks that can affect multiple users simultaneously. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious code that could steal user credentials, manipulate transactions, or redirect customers to fraudulent websites. The vulnerability particularly affects online stores where customer data, payment information, and personal details are processed through the plugin's interfaces. Organizations running affected versions face potential data breaches, loss of customer trust, and compliance violations under data protection regulations. The attack surface is expanded by the plugin's integration with WordPress core functionality, meaning that successful exploitation can potentially provide attackers with broader access to the affected website's administrative capabilities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4826 primarily involve immediate patching of the Collne Welcart plugin to version 1.8.3 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, implementation of web application firewalls, and monitoring for suspicious activity in plugin usage patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO 27001 security standards. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, and establish regular update procedures for all WordPress components to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. These measures align with ATT&CK tactics that focus on defensive techniques including patch management and input validation controls to prevent exploitation of web application vulnerabilities.