CVE-2017-18558 in bws-testimonials Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The bws-testimonials plugin before 0.1.9 for WordPress has multiple XSS issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The bws-testimonials plugin for WordPress versions prior to 0.1.9 contains multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that pose significant security risks to affected websites. These vulnerabilities arise from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability affects the plugin's handling of user-supplied data in testimonial submission forms and administrative interfaces, creating opportunities for attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of victims' browsers.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape user input before rendering it on web pages. Specifically, when testimonials are submitted through the frontend forms or managed through the WordPress admin interface, the plugin does not implement sufficient sanitization measures to prevent malicious script injection. This creates a classic cross-site scripting scenario where attacker-controlled content can be executed in the browser context of legitimate users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the compromised systems. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is a fundamental weakness in web application security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities. An attacker could craft malicious testimonials that, when viewed by administrators or other users, would execute scripts to steal cookies, session tokens, or other sensitive information. The vulnerability also allows for more sophisticated attacks such as defacement of the website, redirection to malicious sites, or even the establishment of persistent backdoors through the execution of browser-based malware. Since WordPress is widely used and many administrators may not be aware of the specific plugin vulnerability, the attack surface is considerable, potentially affecting thousands of websites simultaneously.
Organizations and website administrators should immediately update to version 0.1.9 or later of the bws-testimonials plugin to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms should be part of the broader security posture for all WordPress installations. Security monitoring should include regular checks for outdated plugins and themes, as well as implementing Content Security Policy headers to mitigate the impact of potential XSS attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1212 Exploitation for Credential Access, as it provides a vector for attackers to gain unauthorized access to user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the affected WordPress environment. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across all web applications and plugins in use.