CVE-2017-10889 in TablePress
Summary
by MITRE
TablePress prior to version 1.8.1 allows an attacker to conduct XML External Entity (XXE) attacks via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-10889 affects TablePress versions prior to 1.8.1, representing a critical security flaw that exposes the plugin to XML External Entity (XXE) attacks. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-611, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entity references. The flaw allows attackers to exploit the plugin's handling of XML data processing, potentially enabling them to access internal system resources or perform unauthorized operations. XXE vulnerabilities occur when an application processes untrusted XML data without proper validation or sanitization, creating opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate the XML parser behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate or restrict external entity references during XML processing operations. Attackers can craft malicious XML payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable TablePress plugin, trigger the XML parser to resolve external entities or access internal resources. This exploitation mechanism allows for various attack vectors including but not limited to server-side request forgery, local file inclusion, and information disclosure. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the CVE description indicate that multiple entry points within the plugin could be leveraged for XXE exploitation, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it may be exploitable through various user interactions or data processing pathways.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to perform more sophisticated attacks against the affected WordPress installation. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to access sensitive system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation or complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects WordPress users who rely on TablePress for managing and displaying tables, making it a significant concern for websites with substantial table data or those that process external XML data through the plugin. Organizations running vulnerable versions face increased risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential regulatory compliance violations, particularly in environments where sensitive data is managed through table-based interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-10889 should prioritize immediate patching of the TablePress plugin to version 1.8.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for XXE vulnerability prevention. Security teams should implement additional protective measures including input validation and sanitization of all XML data processing, disabling external entity resolution in XML parsers, and monitoring for suspicious XML processing activities. Network-level protections such as firewall rules that restrict access to internal resources and web application firewalls that can detect and block XXE attack patterns should be deployed. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potential XXE vulnerabilities in their WordPress installations, as this type of flaw often indicates broader XML processing security issues that may exist across multiple plugins or themes. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in existing functionality while maintaining robust protection against future XXE attacks.