CVE-2017-2169 in MaxButtons
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in MaxButtons prior to version 6.19 and MaxButtons Pro prior to version 6.19 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2169 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting the MaxButtons plugin and its Pro variant across versions prior to 6.19. This security weakness resides within the plugin's handling of user input and data processing mechanisms, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized scripts within the context of affected websites. The vulnerability specifically impacts WordPress environments where these plugins are installed, potentially compromising the integrity of user sessions and enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information. The unspecified vectors suggest that the flaw may manifest through multiple entry points including administrative interfaces, frontend forms, or API endpoints that process button configurations and user-generated content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in web applications that allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This particular implementation flaw occurs when user-supplied data is not properly sanitized or validated before being rendered back to users, creating a persistent XSS vulnerability. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers can leverage this flaw without requiring local system access or authentication, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on user input for dynamic content generation. The MaxButtons plugin's functionality involves creating interactive buttons and elements that are rendered on web pages, making it a prime target for XSS attacks that could be leveraged to hijack user sessions or deface websites.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2169 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to administrator accounts, modify website content, or install backdoors for persistent access. The vulnerability affects not only the end users of websites utilizing these plugins but also the website owners who may experience data breaches, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many WordPress websites rely on third-party plugins for functionality, and the vulnerability could be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns targeting WordPress installations. Organizations using these plugins face significant risk of unauthorized access and data compromise, especially in environments where administrative privileges are not adequately protected.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 6.19 or later, which addresses the XSS flaws through proper input validation and output sanitization mechanisms. Security administrators should implement comprehensive monitoring of affected systems and conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies to limit script execution, employing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious requests, and conducting regular security audits of plugin installations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software components and adhering to security best practices such as input validation, output encoding, and principle of least privilege. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely updates and reduce the window of vulnerability exposure. This case highlights the critical need for regular security assessments and the importance of vendor security response protocols in maintaining secure web application environments.