CVE-2017-2224 in Event Calendar WD
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in Event Calendar WD prior to version 1.0.94 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/31/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2224 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the Event Calendar WD plugin, a widely used WordPress calendar management solution. This security weakness affects versions prior to 1.0.94 and exposes systems to remote code execution risks through malicious script injection attacks. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user input data, creating an avenue for attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute unauthorized scripts within the context of affected users' browsers. The unspecified vectors suggest that multiple input points within the plugin's functionality could potentially serve as entry points for exploitation, making the attack surface broader than initially apparent. This type of vulnerability directly undermines the fundamental security principles of web application development by allowing malicious actors to manipulate the intended behavior of legitimate web pages.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the Event Calendar WD plugin. When users submit data through various calendar management functions, the plugin fails to properly sanitize or encode the input before rendering it back to the browser. This allows attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code or HTML content within calendar events, user comments, or other interactive elements. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through various attack vectors including calendar event creation, comment submission, or any user-facing input field within the plugin's interface. According to CWE classification, this represents a classic CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is one of the most common and dangerous web application vulnerabilities. The attack typically follows the pattern of injecting malicious code that executes when other users view the compromised calendar content, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-2224 extends beyond simple script injection, creating significant risks for organizations relying on WordPress-based calendar systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access through session hijacking, steal user credentials, or redirect victims to phishing sites that mimic legitimate calendar interfaces. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require local system access or physical presence to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed user bases. When combined with other security weaknesses in the WordPress ecosystem, this XSS vulnerability can serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack can be executed through various methods including social engineering, automated scanning tools, or by exploiting the vulnerability in conjunction with other known weaknesses in the WordPress environment. Organizations using affected versions of Event Calendar WD face potential data breaches, loss of user trust, and regulatory compliance violations that could result in significant financial and reputational damage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2224 require immediate action to update the Event Calendar WD plugin to version 1.0.94 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation measures and ensure that all user-generated content is properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script injection attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded. Organizations should also consider deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as attackers can leverage the XSS to execute malicious JavaScript code within user browsers. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins and themes, as the same architectural flaws may exist in other components of the WordPress ecosystem. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of visiting untrusted calendar content and the importance of keeping plugins updated remains crucial in maintaining overall security posture.