CVE-2017-18609 in magic-fields Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The magic-fields plugin before 1.7.2 for WordPress has XSS via the custom-write-panel-id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2023
The CVE-2017-18609 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw in the magic-fields plugin for WordPress systems prior to version 1.7.2. This security weakness specifically affects the custom-write-panel-id parameter within the plugin's functionality, creating a potential attack vector that could compromise user sessions and execute malicious scripts in the context of affected websites. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to inject harmful scripts that would execute when other users view affected pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the plugin's handling of user-supplied parameters without proper sanitization. When the custom-write-panel-id parameter is processed, the plugin fails to adequately validate or escape the input before rendering it in the web page context. This allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that exploit the XSS vulnerability, potentially enabling them to steal cookies, session tokens, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The flaw aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and represents a classic case of insufficient output escaping in web applications. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute scripts in the victim's browser context, potentially leading to complete account compromise or unauthorized administrative access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it could enable attackers to manipulate the WordPress admin interface, modify content, or steal sensitive information from authenticated users. The vulnerability particularly affects WordPress administrators and content editors who might inadvertently view pages containing malicious payloads, making it a significant concern for websites running affected plugin versions. Given that WordPress powers a substantial portion of websites globally, this vulnerability could potentially affect numerous sites with varying levels of security maturity. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond viewing a compromised page, making it a stealthy and effective vector for exploitation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to magic-fields plugin version 1.7.2 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Additional mitigations include implementing content security policies to restrict script execution, monitoring web application logs for suspicious parameter values, and conducting regular security assessments of third-party plugins. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of maintaining updated WordPress plugins and following secure coding practices such as input validation, output escaping, and principle of least privilege. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for script injection techniques and T1548.001 for privilege escalation through web application vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive defensive measures.