CVE-2017-18564 in sender Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The sender plugin before 1.2.1 for WordPress has multiple XSS issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The CVE-2017-18564 vulnerability affects the sender plugin for WordPress versions prior to 1.2.1, presenting multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that pose significant security risks to WordPress installations. This vulnerability specifically targets the sender plugin's handling of user input and data processing mechanisms, creating opportunities for malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of affected websites. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's codebase, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts through various entry points.
The technical flaw manifests through multiple XSS vectors within the sender plugin's functionality, where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. This allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through parameters, form fields, or other input mechanisms that the plugin processes. The vulnerability exists because the plugin fails to implement proper HTML escaping and input validation measures, enabling malicious payloads to persist and execute when legitimate users view affected pages. The flaw directly relates to CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of insufficient input validation and output encoding.
Operationally, this vulnerability creates a substantial risk for WordPress administrators and end users who rely on the sender plugin for email functionality. Attackers can exploit these XSS flaws to steal user sessions, deface websites, redirect visitors to malicious sites, or harvest sensitive information from authenticated users. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, session hijacking, or even privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation using the affected plugin version, making it particularly dangerous given the widespread adoption of WordPress and its plugin ecosystem.
The security implications of CVE-2017-18564 align with ATT&CK technique T1566 which focuses on phishing and social engineering attacks through malicious web content. Attackers can leverage these XSS vulnerabilities to create convincing phishing pages that appear legitimate, or to inject malicious code that can persist across user sessions. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and control through script execution, as the injected JavaScript can establish communication channels with attacker-controlled servers. Organizations using vulnerable sender plugin versions face potential data breaches, reputational damage, and compliance violations that could result in significant financial and operational consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18564 primarily involve immediate plugin updates to version 1.2.1 or later, which contain the necessary security patches and input sanitization measures. Administrators should also implement additional protective measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, implementing Content Security Policy headers, and monitoring for suspicious user activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping WordPress plugins up to date and following secure coding practices that prevent XSS attacks through proper input validation and output encoding. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities.