CVE-2018-5362 in WPGlobus Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The WPGlobus plugin 1.9.6 for WordPress has XSS via the wpglobus_option[post_type][page] parameter to wp-admin/options.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5362 resides within the WPGlobus plugin version 1.9.6 for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This particular weakness manifests through the wpglobus_option[post_type][page] parameter within the wp-admin/options.php endpoint, which fails to properly sanitize or validate user input before processing. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically representing a stored XSS variant where malicious code can persist and execute in the context of the victim's browser session.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the plugin's administrative interface. When administrators or users with appropriate privileges access the options page and manipulate the wpglobus_option[post_type][page] parameter, the plugin fails to implement proper sanitization measures before incorporating the user-supplied data into the web page output. This oversight creates a persistent vector for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that executes whenever the affected page is loaded. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the WordPress administrative context, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to WordPress installations utilizing the affected WPGlobus plugin version. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized modifications to the WordPress configuration. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to manipulate the plugin's behavior, alter content management settings, or even establish persistent backdoors within the WordPress environment. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, the malicious payload remains active until manually removed, creating ongoing security risks for the affected system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5362 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the XSS vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches to resolve the sanitization issues. Organizations should implement input validation measures at multiple levels, including filtering user inputs through proper sanitization functions before processing. Network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting known XSS patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Scripting, specifically targeting the execution of malicious scripts through web-based interfaces. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls for WordPress administrative functions can limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts, while regular security audits and monitoring of administrative interfaces can help detect anomalous activities associated with XSS attacks.