CVE-2018-10300 in Instagram Feed WD Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Web-Dorado Instagram Feed WD plugin before 1.3.1 for WordPress allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML by passing payloads in an Instagram profile's bio.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2020
The CVE-2018-10300 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the Web-Dorado Instagram Feed plugin for WordPress systems. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.3.1 and creates a significant security risk by allowing remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content through the Instagram profile bio field. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user-supplied input, particularly when displaying Instagram profile information on WordPress websites. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious payloads within Instagram bio fields that are then rendered on WordPress sites using the vulnerable plugin, potentially executing arbitrary code in the context of users' browsers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which classifies cross-site scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. This particular implementation flaw occurs when the plugin fails to sanitize or escape user input from Instagram profile bios before displaying them on WordPress pages. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through a simple HTTP request containing malicious payload data. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate social media profile information, making it difficult for users to distinguish between benign and malicious content. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's codebase.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-10300 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, deface websites, steal user credentials, or redirect victims to malicious sites. When exploited, this vulnerability can compromise the integrity of WordPress installations that rely on the affected plugin for displaying Instagram feeds. The attack can affect multiple users simultaneously since the malicious script executes in the context of their browser sessions. Depending on the website's configuration and user permissions, attackers might gain access to sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of site visitors. The vulnerability particularly affects WordPress sites that display Instagram profile information, making it a widespread concern for businesses and individuals using social media integration plugins.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10300 require immediate action to upgrade the Web-Dorado Instagram Feed plugin to version 1.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including input validation, output encoding, and content security policies to reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. The implementation of web application firewalls and regular security audits can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual activities related to Instagram profile data. Security best practices recommend maintaining updated software versions, regularly reviewing plugin security, and establishing incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of proper input sanitization and the critical need for regular security updates in content management systems.