CVE-2017-18567 in wp-all-import Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-all-import plugin before 3.4.6 for WordPress has XSS.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2023
The wp-all-import plugin vulnerability CVE-2017-18567 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that affected versions prior to 3.4.6 within the WordPress ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input during import operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's interface. The issue manifests when administrators or users with sufficient privileges perform import operations that process external data sources, particularly XML or CSV files containing malicious payloads. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's insufficient sanitization of imported data before rendering it within the web application's user interface, allowing attackers to execute scripts in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and output encoding practices within the plugin's import processing pipeline. When the wp-all-import plugin handles user-supplied data during import operations, it fails to adequately sanitize or escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript markup. This weakness directly maps to CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of insufficient input validation and output encoding. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or unauthorized administrative actions. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through legitimate import functionality, making it difficult to distinguish between benign and malicious data.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18567 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within WordPress environments. Administrators who regularly use import functionality become prime targets, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including compromised third-party data sources, social engineering campaigns, or by targeting public import endpoints. Once exploited, attackers can leverage the XSS vulnerability to escalate privileges, steal administrative credentials, modify website content, or redirect users to malicious sites. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that many WordPress installations rely on wp-all-import for routine data management tasks, making the vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors. The implications align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1566 for credential access through social engineering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18567 focus primarily on immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 3.4.6 or later, which contains proper input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all WordPress plugins and themes remain current with security updates. Additional protective measures include restricting administrative privileges for import operations, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns, and establishing strict data validation policies for all external data sources. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous import activities and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and ISO 27001 security standards, emphasizing that proper sanitization of user-supplied data is fundamental to preventing XSS attacks in web applications.