CVE-2018-5366 in WPGlobus Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The WPGlobus plugin 1.9.6 for WordPress has XSS via the wpglobus_option[more_languages] parameter to wp-admin/options.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5366 affects the WPGlobus plugin version 1.9.6 for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This vulnerability specifically manifests through the wpglobus_option[more_languages] parameter within the wp-admin/options.php endpoint, which processes user input without adequate sanitization or validation mechanisms. The flaw exists within the plugin's administrative interface where configuration settings are saved and processed, creating a persistent vector for malicious code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the WPGlobus plugin codebase. When administrators or users with appropriate privileges access the options page and manipulate the more_languages parameter, the plugin fails to properly sanitize the input data before storing or displaying it. This omission allows attackers to inject JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected administrative pages. The vulnerability is classified as a classic stored cross-site scripting attack where malicious payloads are persisted in the application's database or configuration files and executed during subsequent page loads.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, or redirect users to malicious websites. Given that the vulnerability resides within the WordPress admin interface, successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain full administrative control over affected WordPress installations. This risk is particularly concerning as WordPress admin panels often contain sensitive configuration options and user management features that could be leveraged to compromise entire websites or networks. The vulnerability affects any WordPress site running the vulnerable plugin version, making it a widespread concern for web administrators.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched version of the WPGlobus plugin, applying the latest WordPress core updates, and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious input patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter to exploit the XSS vector. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins or themes, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and regular security scanning procedures can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.