CVE-2018-5651 in dark-mode Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the dark-mode plugin 1.6 for WordPress. XSS exists via the wp-admin/profile.php dark_mode_start parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5651 resides within the dark-mode plugin version 1.6 for WordPress platforms, representing a cross-site scripting vulnerability that compromises user security through improper input validation. This flaw specifically manifests within the wp-admin/profile.php administrative endpoint where the dark_mode_start parameter fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into the application's administrative interface. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's insufficient validation and output encoding mechanisms that should have been implemented to prevent malicious code execution within the context of authenticated administrator sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious payload and injects it through the dark_mode_start parameter in the profile.php administrative page. When an authenticated administrator visits the affected page, the malicious script code executes within their browser context, potentially allowing for session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, where improper sanitization of user input enables attackers to inject client-side scripts. The attack vector leverages the trust relationship between the administrator and the WordPress administrative interface, making it particularly dangerous as it operates within the privileged context of the administrative session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions and potentially compromise the entire WordPress installation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could modify user permissions, install malicious plugins, access confidential data, or even establish persistent backdoors within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability represents a critical security risk in environments where WordPress administrators frequently access the administrative interface, as it provides a direct path to elevated privileges and system compromise. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566.001 for Phishing, as it typically involves social engineering to gain administrative access followed by script execution within the privileged context.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 1.7 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and output encoding for the dark_mode_start parameter. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular plugin updates, input validation enforcement, and monitoring of administrative sessions for suspicious activity. The WordPress core team recommends maintaining updated plugin versions and implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits of their WordPress installations, focusing on plugin security and user access controls. The remediation process must include thorough testing of the patched version to ensure that legitimate functionality remains intact while the XSS vulnerability is properly addressed. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts provides additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.