CVE-2017-2216 in Download Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in WordPress Download Manager prior to version 2.9.50 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2216 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the WordPress Download Manager plugin, affecting versions prior to 2.9.50. This security weakness resides in the plugin's handling of user input and data processing mechanisms, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected websites. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft, as it can enable attackers to manipulate website content, hijack user sessions, or redirect visitors to malicious sites.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities. This classification indicates that the plugin fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamic web pages served to end users. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that the vulnerability could be exploited through multiple entry points within the plugin's functionality, including but not limited to file upload forms, metadata fields, or URL parameters that process user-generated content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for WordPress website administrators who rely on the Download Manager plugin for content distribution and file management. Attackers exploiting this flaw could inject malicious scripts that execute in the browsers of unsuspecting users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or the installation of additional malware. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access or user interaction beyond visiting a compromised website, making it particularly dangerous for public-facing web properties.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is broad given the widespread adoption of WordPress Download Manager across various websites and organizations. The impact extends beyond individual site compromise to potentially affect entire user bases, especially in scenarios where the plugin is used for distributing software updates or sensitive documents. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.008 technique for 'Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell' and T1566.001 for 'Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment' as attackers might leverage the XSS capability to deliver additional payloads or establish persistence mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching to version 2.9.50 or later, which contains the necessary code modifications to properly sanitize user input and prevent script injection. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including input validation at multiple layers, content security policies to restrict script execution, and regular security audits of installed plugins. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual script injection patterns, while user education regarding suspicious website behavior remains crucial for comprehensive protection against exploitation attempts.