CVE-2017-18557 in bws-google-maps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The bws-google-maps plugin before 1.3.6 for WordPress has multiple XSS issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The bws-google-maps plugin for WordPress versions prior to 1.3.6 contains multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that pose significant security risks to WordPress installations. These vulnerabilities arise from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase, allowing authenticated attackers with contributor-level permissions or higher to inject malicious scripts into the WordPress admin interface. The plugin's failure to properly escape and validate user-supplied input creates persistent XSS attack vectors that can be exploited to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of affected websites. This vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of map-related parameters and configuration settings, where user input is directly rendered without adequate sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of these XSS flaws stems from the plugin's inadequate filtering of data entered through WordPress admin panels and shortcode parameters. Attackers can leverage these vulnerabilities by crafting malicious input within map markers, location descriptions, or plugin configuration fields, which are then stored and subsequently executed when other users view the affected pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only contributor-level privileges, making it accessible to users who have limited administrative capabilities but can still cause significant damage through script injection attacks. This weakness directly maps to CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as the improper handling of untrusted data in web applications.
The operational impact of these vulnerabilities extends beyond simple script execution, as they can enable attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, and potentially compromise entire WordPress installations. The XSS flaws create persistent attack surfaces that remain active until the plugin is updated to version 1.3.6 or later, allowing attackers to maintain access and continue executing malicious code. The vulnerability also facilitates phishing attacks where attackers can inject malicious links or content that appears legitimate to users, potentially leading to further exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability corresponds to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for credential access through social engineering, as attackers can leverage the XSS to capture user credentials or manipulate web sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18557 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.3.6 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address the XSS vulnerabilities. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including input validation, output encoding, and regular security audits of installed plugins. The WordPress security team recommends disabling the affected plugin until updates are applied and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious traffic patterns associated with XSS exploitation attempts, while user access controls should be reviewed to minimize the risk of privilege escalation through compromised accounts. Regular vulnerability assessments and security scanning of WordPress installations can help identify similar issues in other plugins or themes that may present similar attack vectors.