CVE-2017-18601 in examapp Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The examapp plugin 1.0 for WordPress has XSS via exam input text fields.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2020
The CVE-2017-18601 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the examapp plugin version 1.0 for WordPress platforms. This security weakness specifically targets input text fields used within the examination application functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into the web application. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing attackers to exploit the system through crafted malicious input. The issue is particularly concerning as it affects a widely used content management system where users may have elevated privileges or administrative access, potentially enabling more severe exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper data sanitization practices that are fundamental to web application security.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly escape or filter user-supplied input before rendering it within web pages. When users enter text into the exam input fields, the application does not adequately sanitize these inputs to prevent script execution in the context of other users' browsers. This allows attackers to embed malicious javascript code within examination content, which then executes when other users view the affected pages. The vulnerability can be categorized under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize or incorrectly sanitize user supplied input, making it susceptible to various attack scenarios including session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. The attack vector is particularly effective because it leverages legitimate user interactions with the plugin's examination functionality, making detection more difficult.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18601 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking attacks through the theft of authentication cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even inject malicious content that modifies examination results. Given that this vulnerability exists within an examination application, it could potentially compromise the integrity of academic assessments or professional testing environments. The risk is heightened when considering that WordPress administrators often grant various levels of access to plugin functionalities, meaning that an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to sensitive examination data or manipulate test results. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, where attackers can leverage XSS to execute malicious code in the context of the victim's browser session.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements within the WordPress ecosystem. The most direct solution involves updating to a patched version of the examapp plugin where input sanitization has been properly implemented. Administrators should also implement proper content security policies that restrict script execution and utilize output encoding techniques to prevent script injection. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious input patterns, conducting regular security audits of installed plugins, and establishing proper input validation frameworks. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input sanitization as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and should serve as a reminder that all user-supplied data must be treated as potentially malicious. Organizations should also consider implementing automated scanning tools that can detect similar vulnerabilities across their web applications to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses in other components.