CVE-2017-18554 in analytics-tracker Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The analytics-tracker plugin before 1.1.1 for WordPress has XSS via a search event.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The CVE-2017-18554 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the analytics-tracker plugin for WordPress systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.1.1. This security weakness resides in how the plugin processes search events, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary web scripts into vulnerable WordPress installations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages the plugin's analytics tracking functionality to execute malicious code within the context of a user's browser session, potentially compromising user data and system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the analytics-tracker plugin's search event handling mechanism. When users perform search operations within a WordPress site utilizing this vulnerable plugin, the search parameters are not properly escaped or filtered before being processed and displayed. This allows attackers to craft malicious search queries containing script tags or other XSS payload elements that get executed when the search results are rendered to users. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and demonstrates the classic pattern of unsanitized user input being directly incorporated into dynamic web content without proper encoding or validation measures.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18554 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal cookies, gain unauthorized access to user accounts, or manipulate the analytics data being collected by the plugin. The risk is amplified in environments where administrators or users have elevated privileges, as the injected scripts could potentially escalate to full system compromise. This vulnerability also contributes to broader security degradation by allowing attackers to monitor user behavior and collect sensitive information through the analytics framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18554 primarily involve upgrading to the patched version 1.1.1 or later of the analytics-tracker plugin, which implements proper input validation and output sanitization measures. System administrators should also implement additional security layers including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security audits of installed WordPress plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation practices aligned with OWASP Top Ten security principles and ATT&CK framework techniques related to command and control communications through web applications. Organizations should also establish robust plugin management policies, including regular updates, security scanning, and monitoring for suspicious activities in their analytics data collection systems.