CVE-2017-12131 in Easy Testimonials Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Easy Testimonials plugin 3.0.4 for WordPress has XSS in include/settings/display.options.php, as demonstrated by the Default Testimonials Width, View More Testimonials Link, and Testimonial Excerpt Options screens.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The Easy Testimonials plugin version 3.0.4 for WordPress contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects multiple administrative interfaces within the plugin's settings system. This vulnerability resides in the include/settings/display.options.php file and impacts three specific administrative screens that allow users to configure testimonial display parameters. The flaw enables authenticated attackers with sufficient privileges to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's administrative interface, potentially compromising the WordPress installation and user sessions.
This vulnerability represents a classic stored cross-site scripting flaw that operates within the WordPress administration dashboard. The affected parameters include Default Testimonials Width, View More Testimonials Link, and Testimonial Excerpt Options, all of which are configured through the plugin's administrative interface. The vulnerability occurs because user-supplied input values are not properly sanitized or escaped before being rendered back to the browser in the administrative context. Attackers can leverage this weakness by submitting malicious payloads through these configuration fields, which are then executed in the context of other administrators who view the affected settings pages.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive administrative functions and data. When administrators visit the affected settings screens, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions within the WordPress admin interface. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited repeatedly each time administrators access the vulnerable plugin settings, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where multiple administrators may be affected.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code within the browser context of authenticated users. The attack requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability exists within the plugin's administrative interface, meaning that any user with access to modify plugin settings can potentially exploit this weakness. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Easy Testimonials plugin to version 3.0.5 or later, which addresses this specific vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms for all user-supplied data within WordPress plugins, following secure coding practices that prevent XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.
Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes. The remediation process should involve updating all vulnerable plugins to their latest secure versions while implementing proper security monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of administrative interfaces and input validation procedures are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through third-party plugins, as this represents a common attack vector in WordPress environments where plugins often lack proper security hardening measures.