CVE-2017-18497 in liveforms Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The liveforms plugin before 3.4.0 for WordPress has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The CVE-2017-18497 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw in the liveforms plugin for WordPress systems prior to version 3.4.0. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is one of the most prevalent and dangerous web application security flaws identified by the CWE organization. The issue specifically affects the liveforms plugin, which is commonly used for creating and managing online forms within WordPress environments. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into form elements that are then executed in the browsers of unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. When users submit form data through the liveforms plugin, the input is not adequately filtered or escaped, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code. This flaw typically occurs in form field processing where the plugin stores and displays user inputs without proper security measures. The vulnerability can be exploited through various vectors including form submission fields, hidden form elements, or even through the plugin's administrative interfaces where user data is displayed. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when executed, can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18497 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete compromise of user sessions and potential data breaches. When exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to perform actions within the context of an authenticated user's session, potentially enabling them to modify form configurations, steal sensitive information, or manipulate the plugin's functionality. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where the liveforms plugin is widely used for collecting sensitive data such as contact information, registration forms, or survey responses. The vulnerability can be leveraged by threat actors to conduct session hijacking attacks, perform credential theft, or even establish persistent access through more sophisticated attack chains. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script execution and T1566 for credential access, demonstrating its potential for broader exploitation beyond simple XSS.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18497 primarily focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 3.4.0 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress plugins and themes are kept up to date with the latest security releases. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts, though this serves as a supplementary defense rather than a primary fix. Regular security audits of WordPress installations, including vulnerability scanning and code review processes, should be conducted to identify similar issues in other plugins or themes. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of input validation and output encoding practices as recommended by OWASP Top Ten security guidelines, emphasizing that proper sanitization of user inputs is fundamental to preventing XSS attacks. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around form submission activities and session management functions.