CVE-2018-0511 in WP Retina
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting vulnerability in WP Retina 2x prior to version 5.2.2 allows an attacker to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0511 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within the WP Retina 2x plugin for WordPress systems. This issue affects versions prior to 5.2.2 and stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The vulnerability manifests through unspecified vectors, indicating that attackers can potentially exploit multiple entry points within the plugin's functionality to execute malicious scripts. The WP Retina 2x plugin is designed to handle retina display images and optimize web content for high-resolution screens, making it a common component in modern WordPress installations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the category of CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting attacks, where malicious code injection occurs when user input is improperly handled during web page rendering. The flaw allows attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into pages viewed by other users, potentially enabling session hijacking, defacement, or data exfiltration. The unspecified vectors suggest that the vulnerability may exist across multiple functions within the plugin that process user data, including image handling, configuration settings, or user interface elements. This broad attack surface increases the likelihood of successful exploitation by threat actors who may leverage various input points to deliver malicious payloads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can compromise entire WordPress installations when exploited effectively. Attackers can manipulate the plugin's behavior to redirect users to malicious sites, steal authentication cookies, or modify content displayed to legitimate users. The vulnerability particularly affects websites that rely on the WP Retina 2x plugin for image optimization and responsive design functionality, making it a significant concern for web administrators. The risk is amplified because many WordPress sites use this plugin without adequate security monitoring, and the injection vectors may not be immediately apparent to system administrators. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, where attackers leverage web-based scripting to execute malicious code within user browsers.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-0511 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 5.2.2 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerabilities. System administrators should also implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms and output encoding for all user-supplied data within the plugin's functionality. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious script injection patterns, conducting regular security audits of installed plugins, and establishing robust monitoring protocols for unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date third-party components in WordPress environments and highlights the need for proper security testing during plugin installation and configuration processes. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts and reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in other components.