CVE-2017-18494 in custom-search-plugin Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The custom-search-plugin plugin before 1.36 for WordPress has multiple XSS issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The CVE-2017-18494 vulnerability affects the custom-search-plugin WordPress plugin version 1.35 and earlier, presenting multiple cross-site scripting flaws that enable attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser. This vulnerability resides within the plugin's handling of user-supplied input data, specifically within the search functionality that processes query parameters and form submissions without adequate sanitization or output encoding mechanisms. The flaw allows unauthorized individuals to inject malicious JavaScript code through search inputs, which then executes when other users view the search results or interact with the plugin's interface. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper output encoding practices that fail to properly escape special characters in user-provided content before rendering it within web pages.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when malicious actors craft specially crafted search queries containing JavaScript code that gets stored and subsequently executed in the browsers of other users who access the affected search results. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of web content, or redirection to malicious websites. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the plugin's search functionality which is typically accessible to all website visitors, making it a prime target for widespread exploitation. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a classic example of unsafe input handling that violates fundamental web security principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18494 extends beyond simple script execution as it can compromise entire user sessions and potentially provide attackers with elevated privileges within the WordPress environment. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate search results, inject malicious advertisements, or redirect users to phishing sites designed to steal login credentials. The vulnerability affects both authenticated and unauthenticated users since search functionality is typically available to all website visitors. The plugin's architecture appears to lack proper security controls that would prevent or mitigate such attacks, creating a persistent threat vector that could remain active until the plugin is updated to version 1.36 or later. Organizations running affected WordPress installations face significant risks including data breaches, reputation damage, and potential regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18494 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 1.36 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address the XSS vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, output encoding for all dynamic content, and regular security audits of installed plugins. The implementation of web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional protection layers against exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected plugin across their WordPress installations and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual search patterns or attempts to inject malicious code into the search functionality. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping WordPress plugins updated and following security best practices such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten project and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.