CVE-2016-4903 in WP-OliveCart
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in WP-OliveCart versions prior to 3.1.3 and WP-OliveCartPro versions prior to 3.1.8 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2020
The CVE-2016-4903 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting WP-OliveCart and WP-OliveCartPro WordPress plugins. This vulnerability resides in the input validation mechanisms of these e-commerce solutions, creating a pathway for remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of affected websites. The flaw specifically impacts versions prior to 3.1.3 for WP-OliveCart and 3.1.8 for WP-OliveCartPro, indicating that these plugin versions contained insufficient sanitization of user-supplied data. The vulnerability allows attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content through unspecified vectors, which typically involve parameters or fields that do not properly validate or escape user input before rendering it on web pages. This type of vulnerability directly violates the principle of input validation and output encoding that forms the foundation of secure web application development practices.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious input reaches the web application's processing logic without adequate sanitization. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable plugin, get executed in the browsers of unsuspecting users who visit affected pages. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple entry points within the plugin's codebase may be susceptible to this type of injection, potentially including form fields, URL parameters, or API endpoints. This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments or links. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable session hijacking, defacement of web pages, data theft, and potentially full system compromise if attackers can leverage it to gain persistent access.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2016-4903 can be severe for e-commerce websites relying on these plugins. Users visiting compromised pages may unknowingly execute malicious scripts that can steal session cookies, redirect them to phishing sites, or modify the content of web pages to display fraudulent information. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can affect any user who interacts with the vulnerable plugin functionality, making it particularly dangerous for sites with high traffic volumes. Organizations using affected versions face potential regulatory compliance issues, as this vulnerability could lead to data breaches and customer trust erosion. The attack surface is broad since the vulnerability affects core e-commerce functionality that typically handles user data, payment information, and product displays, making it a prime target for cybercriminals seeking to exploit online retail environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-4903 primarily involve immediate plugin version updates to the patched releases that address the input validation issues. System administrators should prioritize updating to WP-OliveCart 3.1.3 or later and WP-OliveCartPro 3.1.8 or later, as these versions contain the necessary security patches. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output encoding practices should be enforced throughout the application, including the use of Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Regular security auditing of third-party plugins and maintaining updated security monitoring tools can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to identify unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of keeping all web application components updated and following secure coding practices that prevent injection attacks through proper sanitization of user inputs. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins and ensure that all components adhere to security best practices outlined in industry standards such as OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.