CVE-2017-18527 in pagination Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The pagination plugin before 1.0.7 for WordPress has multiple XSS issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18527 affects the pagination plugin for WordPress systems prior to version 1.0.7, representing a significant security weakness that exposes affected websites to cross-site scripting attacks. This issue specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input within pagination functionality, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a victim's browser. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's pagination implementation, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can be executed when users navigate through paginated content.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters that are used to construct pagination URLs and display navigation elements. When users interact with paginated content on a WordPress site running the vulnerable plugin, the system processes parameters such as page numbers, sort orders, and filter criteria without adequate sanitization. This creates multiple injection points where malicious script code can be embedded within URL parameters or form inputs, which are then rendered unescaped in the browser context. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a cross-site scripting weakness, specifically involving the improper handling of user-controllable input that leads to the execution of malicious scripts in the victim's browser.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious sites. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal administrator sessions, modify website content, or even escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The attack surface is particularly concerning because pagination is a fundamental feature used across virtually all WordPress sites, making the vulnerability widespread and easily exploitable. Additionally, the vulnerability can be combined with other attack vectors to create more sophisticated exploitation scenarios, potentially allowing for complete system compromise through persistent XSS attacks that maintain access over extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18527 should prioritize immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.0.7 or later, which contains the necessary sanitization and validation fixes. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple layers, including server-side parameter sanitization and output encoding for all pagination-related functionality. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect suspicious URL patterns that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability, particularly around pagination parameters. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies that limit script execution within the WordPress environment, and conduct regular security audits of third-party plugins to ensure they meet current security standards. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through spearphishing attachments and T1566.002 for phishing via links, as attackers can use the XSS to redirect users to malicious sites or steal authentication tokens. Regular security updates and plugin management practices should be enforced to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in other components of the WordPress ecosystem.