CVE-2018-20368 in Master Slider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The Master Slider plugin 3.2.7 and 3.5.1 for WordPress has XSS via the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php Name input field of the MSPanel.Settings value on Callback.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-20368 affects the Master Slider plugin version 3.2.7 and 3.5.1 for WordPress environments, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that could enable attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of affected users' browsers. This vulnerability specifically resides within the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint where the MSPanel.Settings value is processed through the Name input field, creating a potential vector for unauthorized code execution. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a common web application vulnerability where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages served to users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious input through the Name field parameter within the MSPanel.Settings value structure that gets processed by the admin-ajax.php handler. This allows for the injection of arbitrary JavaScript code that executes in the browser context of authenticated WordPress administrators or users with sufficient privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the WordPress administration interface, where users typically have elevated permissions and access to sensitive system functions. Attackers could leverage this flaw to perform actions such as modifying plugin settings, accessing restricted administrative features, or establishing persistent access through session hijacking techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with a potential pathway for privilege escalation and persistent access to WordPress installations. When exploited successfully, the XSS vulnerability could enable attackers to modify slider configurations, inject malicious code into web pages, or redirect users to malicious sites. The attack surface is particularly broad since WordPress administrators frequently interact with the admin-ajax.php endpoint for various administrative functions, making this vulnerability difficult to detect and prevent through conventional means. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which describes the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to gain access to administrative interfaces and execute malicious code within the context of privileged users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-20368 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as the original affected versions contain no built-in protections against this specific attack vector. Organizations should implement input validation and output sanitization measures to prevent the injection of malicious scripts, particularly focusing on the Name field parameter within the MSPanel.Settings structure. Security measures should include implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, monitoring for suspicious administrative activities, and conducting regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes. Additionally, network-based protections such as web application firewalls can help detect and block malicious requests targeting the vulnerable admin-ajax.php endpoint, though these should complement rather than replace proper patch management and input validation procedures. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current WordPress plugins and following secure coding practices that prevent user input from being directly incorporated into dynamic web content without proper sanitization.