CVE-2017-18538 in WebLibrarian Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The weblibrarian plugin before 3.4.8.5 for WordPress has XSS via front-end short codes.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The CVE-2017-18538 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw in the weblibrarian plugin for WordPress systems prior to version 3.4.8.5. This vulnerability specifically affects the front-end shortcode functionality of the plugin, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's shortcode processing logic, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts through crafted input parameters.
The technical flaw manifests when the weblibrarian plugin processes front-end shortcodes without properly escaping or validating user-supplied data. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious payloads that get executed when other users view pages containing these shortcodes. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored XSS scenario where malicious code persists in the plugin's processing and affects multiple users. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed through simple web-based exploitation techniques, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user WordPress environments where administrators and regular users may be exposed to the same malicious content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. In a WordPress environment, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, modify content, or even escalate privileges if the compromised user has administrative rights. The vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the affected weblibrarian plugin version, potentially exposing thousands of websites to attack. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as attackers could use the XSS to redirect users to malicious sites or steal session cookies. The attack surface is particularly large since many WordPress websites utilize shortcodes for various front-end functionalities, making this a widespread concern for web application security.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading of the weblibrarian plugin to version 3.4.8.5 or later, which includes proper input validation and output sanitization measures. Additionally, administrators should implement proper content security policies to limit script execution, regularly audit plugin installations for vulnerabilities, and consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date WordPress plugins and following secure coding practices, particularly in the handling of user-supplied data within web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar vulnerabilities across their web infrastructure.