CVE-2017-18556 in bws-google-analytics Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The bws-google-analytics plugin before 1.7.1 for WordPress has multiple XSS issues.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The bws-google-analytics plugin for WordPress contains multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that affect versions prior to 1.7.1, representing a significant security risk for WordPress installations. These vulnerabilities arise from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw specifically impacts the plugin's handling of user-supplied data in various administrative and frontend contexts, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browsers of unsuspecting users. The vulnerability affects the plugin's analytics tracking functionality and administrative interfaces where user inputs are not properly escaped or validated before being rendered back to users. This issue falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is classified as a critical weakness in web application security. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1213.002 - Data from Information Repositories, as it enables attackers to manipulate data within the WordPress environment through malicious script injection. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by unauthenticated attackers who do not require valid credentials to the WordPress installation. Attackers can leverage these XSS flaws to steal user sessions, redirect visitors to malicious websites, or inject malicious code that can persistently compromise the affected WordPress site and its users.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2017-18556 occurs when malicious input is submitted through various plugin forms or parameters that are not properly sanitized before being processed and displayed. The vulnerability manifests in multiple locations within the plugin's code where user-provided data flows directly into HTML output without appropriate context-specific escaping. This includes administrative settings, tracking code configurations, and any user-facing interfaces within the plugin's functionality. The lack of proper input validation means that attackers can inject malicious scripts through parameters that control analytics tracking, plugin settings, or user interface elements. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, session hijacking, or even privilege escalation if the affected WordPress installation has administrative users who might interact with the compromised plugin interface. The XSS flaws are particularly dangerous because they can be triggered through multiple vectors including direct injection into plugin settings, reflected attacks through malicious URLs, or stored attacks that persist in the plugin's database entries. Security researchers have identified that the vulnerability affects the plugin's handling of HTML content, JavaScript code, and potentially other scriptable elements within the WordPress admin area.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18556 extends far beyond simple script injection, creating potential for widespread compromise of WordPress installations that utilize the affected plugin. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities to establish persistent backdoors within the WordPress environment, steal sensitive information from authenticated users, or manipulate analytics data to mask malicious activities. The vulnerability creates a pathway for attackers to gain unauthorized access to WordPress administrative interfaces, potentially leading to full site compromise. Organizations using the affected plugin version face significant risk of data breaches, as the XSS vulnerabilities can be used to capture user credentials, session cookies, or other sensitive information. The attack surface is particularly large since the plugin's analytics functionality is often used across multiple user roles, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or gain persistent access to WordPress installations. The vulnerability also poses risks to the broader WordPress ecosystem, as compromised installations can be used as staging grounds for attacks against other systems or as part of larger distributed attack campaigns. Security teams must consider the potential for these vulnerabilities to be exploited in combination with other weaknesses within the WordPress installation, creating opportunities for attackers to move laterally through the network or escalate their privileges within the affected systems.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18556 involve immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.7.1 or later, which includes proper input validation and output sanitization measures. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify any other vulnerable plugins or themes that may exhibit similar XSS vulnerabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and content security policies can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts, although these measures should not be considered substitutes for proper patching. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual activity patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts or successful compromises. System administrators should also review and harden WordPress security configurations, including restricting file permissions, implementing strong authentication measures, and regularly updating all WordPress core files and plugins. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the patched plugin to ensure that no regressions or compatibility issues have been introduced. Organizations should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning tools to identify similar issues in other plugins or custom code within their WordPress installations. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to maintain ongoing protection against evolving threats. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping all WordPress components updated and the critical need for proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, as these practices form the foundation of secure software development and help prevent a wide range of injection-based attacks.