CVE-2018-5288 in GD Rating System Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The GD Rating System plugin 2.3 for WordPress has XSS via the wp-admin/admin.php panel parameter for the gd-rating-system-transfer page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2021
The GD Rating System plugin version 2.3 for WordPress contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the administrative interface. This flaw specifically affects the wp-admin/admin.php panel when accessing the gd-rating-system-transfer page, creating an attack vector that allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the browser of authenticated administrators. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the panel parameter that is processed within the administrative context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's handling of the panel parameter without adequate sanitization measures before rendering it in the HTML output. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing crafted JavaScript within the panel parameter and persuades an administrator to visit this specially crafted link, the malicious code executes within the administrator's browser context. This represents a classic stored cross-site scripting vulnerability where the malicious payload is processed and stored within the plugin's administrative interface, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal session cookies, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the administrator.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a potential foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the WordPress environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could escalate privileges, modify or delete content, install malicious plugins, or even compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface where users have elevated privileges, making the potential damage significantly greater than typical front-end XSS vulnerabilities. This flaw falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in software applications.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary commands through browser-based attacks. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond the administrator visiting a malicious link, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently click on links from untrusted sources. The vulnerability also intersects with T1548.001 for Abuse of Functionality, as it leverages legitimate administrative functions to execute malicious code. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects a specific plugin version, indicating that the issue was likely introduced in a recent code change that failed to implement proper input validation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching of the GD Rating System plugin to version 2.4 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads in URL parameters. Additionally, administrators should conduct regular security audits of installed plugins and maintain updated security practices including input validation, output encoding, and regular security monitoring. The recommended approach involves implementing proper parameter sanitization techniques and following secure coding practices that prevent the injection of malicious code into web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training for administrators to recognize potentially malicious links and to understand the risks associated with visiting untrusted URLs within administrative interfaces.