CVE-2017-15810 in Code Integration Tool Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The PopCash.Net Code Integration Tool plugin before 1.1 for WordPress has XSS via the tab parameter to wp-admin/admin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15810 affects the PopCash.Net Code Integration Tool plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions prior to 1.1. This issue represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability occurs within the WordPress admin interface, specifically when processing the tab parameter in the wp-admin/admin.php endpoint, making it particularly dangerous as it targets administrative functionality where users typically have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system controls.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization of the tab parameter within the plugin's administrative interface. When a user navigates to the plugin's settings page through the WordPress admin panel, the tab parameter is directly incorporated into the page output without proper sanitization or encoding. This allows an attacker to craft malicious URLs containing script code within the tab parameter, which gets executed in the browser of any user who visits the affected page. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, specifically manifesting as a reflected cross-site scripting flaw where malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with potential access to administrative functions and sensitive data. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to steal authentication cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even inject scripts that could modify plugin settings or access user data. Given that this affects the WordPress admin interface, successful exploitation could enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify content, or potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction to exploit, as simply visiting a malicious URL containing the crafted tab parameter could trigger the XSS attack.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding for the tab parameter. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as content security policies to limit script execution, regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring for suspicious administrative activity. Organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting known XSS vulnerabilities, and maintain up-to-date vulnerability scanning procedures to identify similar issues in other installed plugins or themes. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, as it represents an attack vector that could lead to unauthorized access to administrative interfaces and sensitive repository data within the WordPress system.