CVE-2017-9419 in WP Custom Fields Search Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Webhammer WP Custom Fields Search plugin 0.3.28 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript via the cs-all-0 parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2024
The CVE-2017-9419 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Webhammer WP Custom Fields Search plugin version 0.3.28 for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input through the cs-all-0 parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code within the context of affected websites. The flaw resides in the plugin's insufficient sanitization and validation of input parameters, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed by unsuspecting users who visit affected pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation mechanisms within the plugin's codebase. When the cs-all-0 parameter is processed, the plugin fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic web content. This oversight creates a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability classified under CWE-79 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')". The vulnerability operates by accepting malicious JavaScript code through the parameter and subsequently rendering it within the web page context, where it executes in the browser of any user who accesses the affected content.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to WordPress website administrators and their users. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious scripts that may steal user session cookies, redirect visitors to phishing sites, deface websites, or perform other malicious activities within the context of the vulnerable application. The remote nature of this attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the system or local network privileges to exploit the vulnerability. The impact extends beyond simple data theft as the injected scripts can potentially establish persistent backdoors or facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as credential harvesting or privilege escalation within the compromised web application environment.
The exploitation of CVE-2017-9419 aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to initial access and execution phases. Attackers can use this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain to establish a foothold within WordPress environments, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution vector through web-based attacks places it within the ATT&CK technique T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" and T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript." Organizations using vulnerable WordPress plugins face heightened risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, as the vulnerability affects the core web application security posture rather than just a specific component.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS flaw, implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, and deployment of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Security monitoring should focus on identifying suspicious parameter values in web server logs and implementing content security policies to prevent script execution. Additionally, administrators should conduct regular security audits of installed WordPress plugins to ensure all components are up-to-date with security patches, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current plugin versions to prevent exploitation of known security flaws.