CVE-2017-20108 in Easy Table Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/29/2022
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in Easy Table Plugin 1.6. This affects an unknown part of the file /wordpress/wp-admin/options-general.php. The manipulation with the input "><script>alert(1)</script> leads to basic cross site scripting. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2026
This vulnerability represents a classic cross site scripting flaw in the Easy Table Plugin version 1.6, specifically within the WordPress administration interface at the options-general.php endpoint. The security issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or encode user-supplied data before rendering it in the web interface. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it allows remote exploitation through a crafted payload containing script tags that can execute arbitrary javascript code within the context of a victim's browser session. This particular vulnerability manifests when an attacker injects the malicious input sequence ">><script>alert(1)</script> which demonstrates the plugin's failure to properly handle and sanitize user inputs that contain HTML or javascript elements.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross site scripting flaws in web applications. This weakness enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that can persist in the application's data storage and execute whenever the affected page is loaded. The vulnerability's location within the WordPress admin interface provides attackers with potential access to privileged information and actions, as the injected scripts can leverage the authenticated user's session cookies and permissions. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network connectivity, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in public-facing environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. An attacker could potentially steal session tokens, redirect users to malicious sites, modify content displayed in the admin interface, or even escalate privileges if the application lacks proper access controls. The basic nature of the XSS payload suggests that this vulnerability could be leveraged for phishing attacks, credential harvesting, or as a stepping stone for further exploitation. The fact that this affects the core WordPress administration interface significantly increases the potential damage scope, as it provides access to critical system configuration and user management functions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the Easy Table Plugin to version 1.6.1 or later, which should contain the necessary input validation and output encoding fixes. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, regular security audits of installed plugins should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and user access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel have administrative privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining updated WordPress core and plugin versions, as well as implementing proper input sanitization practices throughout the application codebase. This incident highlights the critical need for security-conscious development practices and regular vulnerability assessments to prevent exploitation of such fundamental flaws.