CVE-2018-17947 in Snazzy Maps Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Snazzy Maps plugin before 1.1.5 for WordPress has XSS via the text or tab parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2020
The Snazzy Maps plugin for WordPress contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects versions prior to 1.1.5, presenting a significant security risk to WordPress websites utilizing this mapping plugin. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's handling of user-supplied parameters. The flaw specifically manifests when the plugin processes the text or tab parameters, which are commonly used for configuring map display elements and tabbed interface components. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious script code through these parameters, potentially compromising user sessions and executing unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws occurring when untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The plugin fails to adequately sanitize user input before rendering it in the web interface, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability affects both the text and tab parameters, indicating a broader scope of potential attack vectors within the plugin's parameter handling mechanisms. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that can persist in the plugin's configuration or display logic, making the exploitation particularly dangerous for websites with multiple users or administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks such as session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. When users access pages that utilize the vulnerable Snazzy Maps plugin, their browsers may execute the injected malicious scripts, potentially leading to unauthorized access to WordPress admin panels or other sensitive areas of the website. The vulnerability's persistence across different parameter types suggests that attackers can leverage various entry points to establish malicious presence within the site, making detection and remediation more challenging. Additionally, since this affects a popular WordPress plugin, the potential attack surface includes numerous websites that may be unknowingly exposed to these risks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to Snazzy Maps plugin version 1.1.5 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS flaws. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as input validation at the web application firewall level and regular security scanning of WordPress installations. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against script injection attacks, while regular monitoring of plugin updates and security advisories helps maintain ongoing protection. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security audits to reduce the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. This case demonstrates the critical importance of keeping WordPress plugins updated and following secure coding practices that prevent injection vulnerabilities in web applications.