CVE-2017-15811 in Pootle Button Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Pootle Button plugin before 1.2.0 for WordPress has XSS via the assets_url parameter in assets/dialog.php, exploitable via wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15811 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Pootle Button plugin for WordPress systems. This security weakness affects versions prior to 1.2.0 and specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input through the assets_url parameter within the assets/dialog.php file. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited through the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint, which is a core WordPress administrative interface component that handles asynchronous requests. The attack vector leverages the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and validate input parameters before incorporating them into the web page output, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be injected and executed within the context of authenticated admin sessions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses that allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. The flaw occurs because the plugin does not implement proper input validation or output encoding mechanisms for the assets_url parameter, enabling an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code through the dialog.php file. When an administrator visits the affected page or performs actions that trigger the plugin's functionality, the malicious script executes within their browser session, potentially allowing for session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the compromised administrative account. The fact that the vulnerability is accessible through wp-admin/admin-ajax.php makes it particularly dangerous as this endpoint is frequently used for legitimate administrative operations and is often less scrutinized for security issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive administrative functions within WordPress. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to modify plugin settings, upload malicious files, access protected content, or even gain full control over the WordPress installation if the administrator has elevated privileges. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in environments where administrators frequently interact with the WordPress admin interface, as the attack requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting an affected page or triggering a specific plugin function. This makes the vulnerability particularly attractive to attackers targeting WordPress sites with compromised administrative accounts or those seeking to escalate privileges within existing compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 1.2.0 or later, which contains the necessary input validation and sanitization fixes. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring for unusual activity in wp-admin/admin-ajax.php requests, implementing content security policies to limit script execution, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices, which are fundamental requirements in the OWASP Top Ten security framework and align with defense-in-depth strategies recommended by NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious parameter injection attempts, particularly targeting known vulnerable endpoints like admin-ajax.php that are commonly exploited in WordPress security incidents.