CVE-2017-1000033 in Vospari Forms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Wordpress Plugin Vospari Forms version < 1.4 is vulnerable to a reflected cross site scripting in the form submission resulting in javascript code execution in the context on the current user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-1000033 affects the Vospari Forms WordPress plugin version 1.4 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes users to reflected cross-site scripting attacks. This vulnerability specifically manifests during form submission processes where user input is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered back to the browser. The flaw creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary javascript code that executes within the context of the currently authenticated user's browser session, potentially compromising user accounts and enabling further attack vectors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the plugin's form handling mechanisms. When users submit forms through the vulnerable plugin, the application fails to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into the HTML response. This reflected XSS vulnerability operates by tricking users into clicking malicious links or visiting compromised web pages that contain crafted payloads designed to exploit the vulnerability. The attack requires no privileged access to the WordPress installation itself, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through social engineering techniques or by compromising user sessions through phishing campaigns.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious scripts that capture user credentials, modify content, or redirect users to malicious websites. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the attack payload must be delivered through external sources, typically via phishing emails or compromised websites, but once executed, the malicious code operates with the privileges of the authenticated user. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, modification of content, and potential lateral movement within the compromised WordPress installation.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script execution and T1531 for credential access through web application attacks. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Vospari Forms plugin version 1.4 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Additionally, implementing content security policies, regular security audits, and user education about phishing threats can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. The vulnerability underscores the critical need for continuous security testing and patch management processes, as well as the importance of validating all user inputs through proper sanitization techniques to prevent such widespread security issues in web applications.