CVE-2017-14720 in WordPress
Summary
by MITRE
Before version 4.8.2, WordPress allowed a Cross-Site scripting attack in the template list view via a crafted template name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14720 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in WordPress versions prior to 4.8.2. This security weakness specifically affects the template list view functionality within the WordPress administrative interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into the system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter template names before rendering them in the user interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious template names containing script tags or other malicious code that gets executed when administrators view the template list, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or further system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of template names within WordPress's theme and template management system. When administrators navigate to the template list view, the system displays template names without adequate sanitization, allowing malicious payloads to be executed in the context of the administrator's browser session. This flaw falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a reflected XSS vulnerability where user-controllable input directly influences the output without proper escaping mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative interface where users possess elevated privileges, making the potential impact significantly greater than typical user-facing XSS flaws.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14720 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to hijack administrator sessions, modify website content, install malware, or exfiltrate sensitive data. When an administrator views a maliciously crafted template name, the embedded scripts can perform actions such as stealing cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing commands on the server. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows for the execution of malicious scripts within the browser context. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires minimal user interaction beyond viewing the affected template list, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard security measures.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to WordPress version 4.8.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the update includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms for template names. Additional mitigation strategies include implementing strict input validation for all user-provided content, deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script patterns, and conducting regular security audits of template and theme management systems. Security teams should also monitor for any attempts to manipulate template names or other administrative interface elements, as this vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. The fix implemented in WordPress 4.8.2 addresses the root cause by ensuring that all template names are properly escaped before display, preventing malicious scripts from executing in the browser context of authenticated users.