CVE-2017-15375 in WpJobBoard
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple client-side cross site scripting vulnerabilities have been discovered in the WpJobBoard v4.5.1 web-application for WordPress. The vulnerabilities are located in the `query` and `id` parameters of the `wpjb-email`, `wpjb-job`, `wpjb-application`, and `wpjb-membership` modules. Remote attackers are able to inject malicious script code to hijack admin session credentials via the backend, or to manipulate the backend on client-side performed requests. The attack vector is non-persistent and the request method to inject is GET. The attacker does not need a privileged user account to perform a successful exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15375 represents a critical client-side cross site scripting flaw within the WpJobBoard plugin version 4.5.1 for WordPress. This security weakness affects multiple core modules including wpjb-email, wpjb-job, wpjb-application, and wpjb-membership, creating a widespread attack surface that could compromise the entire web application ecosystem. The vulnerability resides in the improper handling of user input parameters, specifically the query and id parameters, which are processed without adequate sanitization or output encoding mechanisms. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized administrative actions. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security where user-controllable data is not properly escaped or validated before being rendered in web pages. The attack vector is classified as non-persistent, meaning that malicious scripts are not stored on the server but are instead executed during the active browsing session. The GET request method used for exploitation indicates that attackers can trigger the vulnerability through simple URL manipulation, making the attack surface extremely broad and accessible to any user with basic web browsing capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple script injection, as it enables sophisticated attack chains that can lead to complete administrative compromise of WordPress installations. Remote attackers can leverage these XSS vulnerabilities to steal administrator session cookies, which would provide them with full access to the backend management interface. Additionally, the malicious scripts could be used to manipulate backend operations, modify job listings, alter user permissions, or even inject malicious content into the application's database. The lack of requirement for privileged user accounts means that any authenticated or unauthenticated user could potentially exploit this vulnerability, significantly amplifying the risk to the entire WordPress ecosystem. This type of vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, where adversaries leverage JavaScript execution capabilities to perform malicious activities within web browsers. The attack could be further amplified through social engineering tactics where users are tricked into clicking malicious links that contain the exploit payloads, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently interact with external web content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15375 should focus on immediate patching and input validation improvements. The most effective remediation is to upgrade to a patched version of the WpJobBoard plugin where proper parameter sanitization and output encoding have been implemented. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict script execution, deploying Web Application Firewalls (WAF) rules to detect and block malicious payloads, and ensuring that all user input is properly validated and escaped before processing. Organizations should also implement regular security audits of their WordPress plugins and themes, as well as establish monitoring procedures to detect unusual activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards. Additionally, implementing proper session management controls, including secure cookie attributes and regular session regeneration, would significantly reduce the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security training for administrators and users can also help mitigate the risk of social engineering attacks that might leverage this vulnerability.