CVE-2017-20097 in WP-Filebase Download Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/24/2022
A vulnerability was found in WP-Filebase Download Manager Plugin 3.4.4. It has been rated as problematic. Affected by this issue is some unknown functionality. The manipulation leads to basic cross site scripting. The attack may be launched remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2022
The WP-Filebase Download Manager plugin version 3.4.4 contains a cross site scripting vulnerability that represents a significant security risk for wordpress installations. This vulnerability falls under the category of basic cross site scripting as defined by the CWE-79 weakness classification, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user input that is subsequently rendered in web pages without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms. The vulnerability affects an unknown but critical functionality within the plugin's codebase, suggesting that multiple entry points may be susceptible to malicious input manipulation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by injecting malicious script code through input fields or parameters that are not properly validated or escaped before being processed and displayed to end users.
The remote exploitation capability of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the target system or local network privileges to launch attacks. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. The basic cross site scripting nature indicates that the vulnerability likely involves the injection of script code into web pages viewed by other users, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The remote attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering attacks including the use of malicious content delivered through web interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking. Depending on the specific implementation details of the affected functionality, attackers could potentially execute arbitrary code in the context of a user's browser session, leading to complete compromise of user accounts or unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of data processed by the plugin, as well as the overall security posture of wordpress installations that rely on this component. Organizations using this plugin version face potential exposure to credential theft, unauthorized file access, or manipulation of download functionality that could lead to distribution of malicious content. The vulnerability may also impact the availability of the plugin's services if attackers exploit it to cause denial of service conditions or redirect legitimate users to compromised sites.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching or upgrading to a version that addresses the cross site scripting vulnerability, as this represents the most effective defense mechanism. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts, employ input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and conduct regular security assessments of their wordpress installations. The implementation of content security policies can provide additional protection against script execution in browser contexts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in plugin usage or unexpected script content in user interactions. Regular updates to all wordpress plugins and themes should be enforced through automated processes to minimize exposure windows. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of maintaining updated software should be emphasized as part of a comprehensive security strategy.