CVE-2018-3810 in Smart Google Code Inserter Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Authentication Bypass vulnerability in the Oturia Smart Google Code Inserter plugin before 3.5 for WordPress allows unauthenticated attackers to insert arbitrary JavaScript or HTML code (via the sgcgoogleanalytic parameter) that runs on all pages served by WordPress. The saveGoogleCode() function in smartgooglecode.php does not check if the current request is made by an authorized user, thus allowing any unauthenticated user to successfully update the inserted code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2025
The CVE-2018-3810 vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in the Oturia Smart Google Code Inserter WordPress plugin, affecting versions prior to 3.5. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user authentication checks within the saveGoogleCode() function, creating a pathway for unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious code into WordPress installations. The flaw specifically targets the sgcgoogleanalytic parameter, which when manipulated allows arbitrary JavaScript or HTML code insertion that executes across all pages served by the vulnerable WordPress instance. The vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles by failing to implement proper access controls, enabling any remote attacker to escalate privileges and compromise the integrity of the web application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the absence of authentication verification within the smartgooglecode.php file, specifically in the saveGoogleCode() function. This function operates without validating whether the incoming request originates from an authenticated administrator or contains proper authorization tokens. The lack of user authentication checks creates a direct code injection vector where attackers can manipulate the sgcgoogleanalytic parameter to insert malicious payloads that persistently execute across all site pages. This flaw aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues, and represents a classic example of insufficient access control mechanisms in web applications. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through standard web request manipulation techniques without requiring any legitimate credentials or elevated privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3810 extends beyond simple code injection, as it enables persistent malicious activities across the entire WordPress installation. Once exploited, attackers can inject various forms of malicious code including cross-site scripting payloads, malware delivery mechanisms, or data exfiltration scripts that execute automatically on every page load. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be used for credential harvesting, session hijacking, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability affects all pages served by WordPress, making it particularly dangerous as it provides broad coverage for malicious activities. The impact is amplified by the fact that the injected code runs in the context of the victim's browser, potentially enabling further exploitation techniques such as clickjacking or advanced persistent threat campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3810 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 3.5 or later, which addresses the authentication bypass vulnerability through proper access control implementation. Organizations should also implement network-based security controls including web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious parameter manipulation attempts targeting the sgcgoogleanalytic parameter. Regular security audits should verify that all WordPress plugins implement proper authentication checks and authorization mechanisms, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for unusual code modifications in WordPress plugin directories, implementing content security policies to limit script execution, and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring tools that can detect unauthorized code injection attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely remediation of similar vulnerabilities across all web applications.