CVE-2017-14622 in Amazon Affiliates Store Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the 2kb Amazon Affiliates Store plugin before 2.1.1 for WordPress allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) page parameter or (2) kbAction parameter in the kbAmz page to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2022
The CVE-2017-14622 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the 2kb Amazon Affiliates Store WordPress plugin version 2.1.0 and earlier. This vulnerability exists within the administrative interface of the plugin, specifically targeting the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint where the kbAmz page handler processes user input. The flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors that allow remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated admin sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's parameter handling mechanisms. Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the page parameter or kbAction parameter through the kbAmz page endpoint, which directly translates user-supplied input into HTML output without proper sanitization. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be leveraged by malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into the administrative interface. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the WordPress admin area, providing attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive administrative functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can be exploited to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised WordPress environment. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator session cookies, execute unauthorized administrative actions, modify plugin configurations, or even install additional malware. The vulnerability affects the entire WordPress admin ecosystem, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain complete control over the affected website. This represents a significant risk for WordPress sites using the vulnerable plugin, as the administrative interface typically contains sensitive configuration data and user management capabilities.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires no special privileges beyond basic web access, making it easily exploitable by remote attackers. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient input sanitization in administrative interfaces, where user-supplied parameters are directly incorporated into server responses without proper validation or encoding.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 2.1.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input validation gaps. Additionally, administrators should implement comprehensive input filtering at the web application firewall level, particularly for parameters entering the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint. Network-level protections can include monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns and implementing content security policies to prevent script execution. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins should include verification of input handling mechanisms, and administrators should maintain updated security monitoring tools to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of keeping all WordPress plugins current and following secure coding practices that validate and sanitize all user inputs before processing or rendering them within administrative contexts.