CVE-2017-18032 in download-manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The download-manager plugin before 2.9.52 for WordPress has XSS via the id parameter in a wpdm_generate_password action to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2025
The CVE-2017-18032 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the download-manager plugin for WordPress, affecting versions prior to 2.9.52. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's handling of user input through the wpdm_generate_password action endpoint located at wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. The specific parameter exploited is the id parameter which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the plugin's administrative interface. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an avenue for attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of an administrator's browser session.
This cross-site scripting vulnerability operates through the WordPress ajax system which is commonly used for asynchronous communication between the frontend and backend. The id parameter in the wpdm_generate_password action is processed without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can be executed when administrators view affected pages or interact with the plugin's administrative features. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the wp-admin area of WordPress installations, where administrators have elevated privileges and access to sensitive system configurations. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform actions such as stealing administrator cookies, modifying plugin settings, or even gaining full administrative control over compromised WordPress sites.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18032 extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to compromised WordPress installations. When administrators visit pages that trigger the vulnerable code path, the injected JavaScript executes within their privileged browser context, potentially allowing for session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the compromised system. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal user interaction since it can be triggered through administrative actions or page views, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently access plugin interfaces. This weakness aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities and corresponds to techniques found in the attack pattern taxonomy under the ATT&CK framework's T1059.007 sub-technique for scripting, specifically targeting web application interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18032 primarily involve upgrading the download-manager plugin to version 2.9.52 or later, which includes proper input validation and output sanitization measures. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures such as restricting access to wp-admin areas through IP whitelisting, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. Security professionals should consider implementing content security policies to prevent execution of unauthorized scripts and establish monitoring protocols to detect suspicious activities in administrative interfaces. Regular patch management processes should be enforced to ensure all WordPress plugins remain up-to-date with the latest security fixes, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of timely security updates in preventing exploitation of known flaws. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of input validation at multiple layers within web applications and highlights the risks associated with inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data in administrative contexts.