CVE-2017-18529 in promobar Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The promobar plugin before 1.1.1 for WordPress has multiple XSS issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2023
The promobar plugin for WordPress prior to version 1.1.1 contained multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that exposed millions of WordPress installations to potential exploitation. These vulnerabilities arose from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, specifically affecting how user-supplied data was processed and rendered on web pages. The flaw existed in the plugin's handling of various parameters and input fields that were directly incorporated into HTML output without proper sanitization, creating persistent opportunities for attackers to inject malicious scripts.
Multiple attack vectors were identified within the plugin's functionality, including issues in the admin interface and front-end display mechanisms. The vulnerability allowed attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through various input points, including form fields, URL parameters, and configuration settings. When exploited, these vulnerabilities could enable attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized administrative actions. The lack of proper sanitization meant that malicious payloads could persist across page loads and affect multiple users who viewed affected content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability was significant given WordPress's widespread adoption and the plugin's inclusion in numerous website installations. Attackers could leverage these XSS flaws to gain unauthorized access to user sessions, steal administrative credentials, or manipulate website content. The vulnerabilities were particularly dangerous because they affected both frontend and backend interfaces, allowing attackers to compromise not only visitor sessions but also administrator accounts. This created a pathway for full website compromise, potentially enabling attackers to install malware, modify content, or establish persistent backdoors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability required immediate plugin updates to version 1.1.1 or later, which included proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms. Security administrators should have implemented comprehensive monitoring of affected installations and considered temporary removal of the plugin until updates were applied. Additional protective measures included implementing content security policies to limit script execution, conducting thorough security audits of all installed plugins, and establishing automated patch management processes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that enables malicious code execution. Organizations should have followed ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation through web application vulnerabilities to properly assess and address the threat landscape.