CVE-2018-17585 in WP Fastest Cache Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The WP Fastest Cache plugin 0.8.8.5 for WordPress has XSS via the wpfastestcacheoptions wpFastestCachePreload_number or wpFastestCacheLanguage parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-17585 affects the WP Fastest Cache plugin version 0.8.8.5 for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser. This flaw specifically manifests through the wpfastestcacheoptions parameter and its associated wpFastestCachePreload_number or wpFastestCacheLanguage sub-parameters, which are utilized within the plugin's administrative interface for cache configuration and language settings. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's handling of these parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject persistent or reflected cross-site scripting payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the affected parameters through HTTP requests to the WordPress administrative interface or frontend pages where the plugin is active. When the vulnerable plugin processes these unvalidated inputs without proper sanitization, the malicious scripts become embedded within the web page content and executed whenever legitimate users access the affected pages. This creates a persistent threat where authenticated administrators or users with appropriate privileges could be compromised through the execution of malicious JavaScript code that could steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized actions within the WordPress environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-17585 extends beyond simple script execution, as it represents a critical security weakness that could enable attackers to escalate privileges within the WordPress installation. An attacker could potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, modify website content, or establish persistent backdoors through the execution of malicious scripts that manipulate the browser's session or redirect traffic. The vulnerability's presence in a widely used caching plugin increases the attack surface significantly, as many WordPress installations rely on such optimization tools, making the exploitation potential widespread across various website deployments.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the CWE-79 weakness classification, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1213 technique for Data from Information Repositories, as attackers could potentially harvest sensitive information through the execution of malicious scripts within the victim's browser context. Mitigation strategies include immediate patching of the WP Fastest Cache plugin to version 0.8.8.6 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization measures, output escaping mechanisms, and regular security audits of WordPress plugins can prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the web application stack. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional layers of protection against such scripting attacks.