CVE-2018-5653 in weblizar-pinterest-feeds Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the weblizar-pinterest-feeds plugin 1.1.1 for WordPress. XSS exists via the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php weblizar_pffree_settings_save_get-users parameter.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5653 resides within the weblizar-pinterest-feeds plugin version 1.1.1 for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security integrity of affected web applications. This issue manifests through the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint where the weblizar_pffree_settings_save_get-users parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary script code into the application's response. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface of WordPress installations, leveraging the plugin's legitimate functionality to execute unauthorized code execution within the context of privileged user sessions.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization practices within the plugin's codebase. When the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php handler processes the weblizar_pffree_settings_save_get-users parameter, it fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into dynamic HTML responses. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable plugin, execute within the browser context of authenticated administrators. The vulnerability operates under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a critical web application security weakness, specifically classified as an input validation and output encoding failure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain full administrative control over affected WordPress installations. An attacker could exploit this flaw to inject malicious scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or manipulate administrative settings through the compromised user context. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the web application by enabling unauthorized code execution within the administrative interface, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent backdoors, modify content, or exfiltrate sensitive data from the WordPress environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5653 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the identified XSS vulnerability, as the vendor has likely released patches to correct the input sanitization issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation measures that enforce strict data type checking and sanitize all user inputs before processing or displaying them within the application interface. The principle of least privilege should be applied to WordPress administrative accounts, ensuring that only necessary users have access to the affected plugin functionality. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures by monitoring for suspicious parameter values and blocking known malicious payloads. Security monitoring should include regular vulnerability scanning of WordPress installations to identify outdated plugins and themes that may contain similar vulnerabilities. According to ATT&CK framework category T1213, this vulnerability aligns with the technique of data from information repositories, as it enables unauthorized access to administrative functions through compromised user sessions, potentially leading to broader system infiltration and lateral movement within the network environment.