CVE-2017-17753 in esb-csv-import-export Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the esb-csv-import-export plugin through 1.1 for WordPress allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) cie_type, (2) cie_import, (3) cie_update, or (4) cie_ignore parameter to includes/admin/views/esb-cie-import-export-page.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/16/2019
The CVE-2017-17753 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the esb-csv-import-export plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability affects versions through 1.1 and exposes WordPress installations to remote code execution risks through malicious script injection. The flaw resides in the administrative interface of the plugin where user input parameters are not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered back to users. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating four specific parameters including cie_type, cie_import, cie_update, and cie_ignore which are processed in the includes/admin/views/esb-cie-import-export-page.php file.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the plugin's administrative functions. When administrators or authenticated users access the import/export functionality, the plugin fails to properly escape or sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamically generated HTML content. This lack of proper sanitization creates an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML payloads through the vulnerable parameters. The vulnerability is classified as a classic reflected XSS attack vector where malicious input is immediately reflected back to the user's browser without proper encoding or filtering. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental web application security weakness that allows attackers to execute scripts in the context of the affected website.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-17753 extends beyond simple script injection as it provides attackers with potential access to administrative functions and sensitive data. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user's browser, potentially enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or privilege escalation attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where plugin administrators may have elevated privileges and access to sensitive site configurations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to redirect users to malicious sites, steal cookies, or even gain full administrative control over the WordPress installation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content, and T1071.001 for application layer protocol usage in command and control communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17753 should focus on immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.2 or later where the XSS vulnerabilities have been addressed. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent similar issues in other custom or third-party plugins. The security team should conduct thorough penetration testing of all WordPress plugins and themes to identify potential injection points. Additionally, implementing content security policies can provide an additional layer of protection by restricting script execution and preventing unauthorized code injection. Regular security audits of web applications and maintaining updated security patches are essential practices to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output encoding in web application development, as outlined in OWASP Top 10 categories and industry security standards for web application security.