CVE-2017-18582 in time-sheets Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The time-sheets plugin before 1.5.2 for WordPress has multiple XSS issues.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2023
The CVE-2017-18582 vulnerability affects the time-sheets plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 1.5.2, and represents a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that exposes WordPress installations to significant security risks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The issue specifically impacts the plugin's handling of user-supplied data in time-tracking and reporting functionalities, where unfiltered input can be executed in the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that WordPress plugins often have elevated privileges and can access sensitive user data, making this XSS flaw particularly dangerous for organizations relying on WordPress for business operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of parameters or fields within the time-sheets plugin interface, where user inputs are not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit the lack of proper output encoding, enabling them to execute scripts in the browser context of authenticated users. This allows for session hijacking, data theft, and potentially full system compromise through the execution of malicious JavaScript code. The vulnerability follows the CWE-79 pattern of cross-site scripting, specifically categorized under CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting, which represents a fundamental weakness in web application security where untrusted data is executed as code within the browser. The ATT&CK framework would classify this under T1566 Initial Access through Web Protocols, where adversaries establish a foothold by exploiting web application vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18582 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete compromise of user sessions and sensitive time-tracking data. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal cookies, modify time entries, access confidential project information, and potentially escalate privileges within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also organizations that rely on time-tracking data for billing, project management, and compliance purposes. The lack of proper input validation creates a persistent threat vector that remains active until the plugin is updated to version 1.5.2 or later, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation during the entire period of exposure. Organizations using this plugin without proper security monitoring may experience undetected data breaches, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for environments with high security requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-18582 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.5.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerabilities. Security administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the WordPress environment, particularly for user-generated content and plugin interfaces. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to prevent script execution from unauthorized sources. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across the entire WordPress ecosystem. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious input patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and demonstrates how third-party plugins can introduce critical security risks to otherwise secure WordPress installations, making regular security assessments and patch management essential for maintaining operational security.