CVE-2018-5654 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 PFFREE_Access_Token parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/23/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5654 resides within the weblizar-pinterest-feeds plugin version 1.1.1 for WordPress, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that exposes administrative interfaces to malicious exploitation. This issue specifically manifests through the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint where the PFFREE_Access_Token parameter fails to properly sanitize user input, creating an avenue for attackers to inject malicious scripts into the administrative environment. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-79, which classifies cross-site scripting as a critical weakness in web applications, where improper validation of user-supplied data allows arbitrary code execution within the context of the affected application.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the PFFREE_Access_Token parameter through the WordPress administrative AJAX handler, bypassing standard input validation mechanisms that should protect against script injection attempts. This flaw enables attackers to execute malicious JavaScript code in the context of the administrator's browser session, potentially leading to complete compromise of the WordPress installation. The attack vector leverages the plugin's failure to implement proper output encoding and input sanitization, allowing malicious payloads to persist in the parameter and execute when the administrative interface processes the data.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to WordPress administrators who may inadvertently interact with maliciously crafted requests through the plugin's administrative interface. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, modify plugin configurations, or potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive administrative functions. The vulnerability's location within the wp-admin area means that successful exploitation requires authentication, but it represents a critical escalation path for attackers who have already compromised a legitimate user account or have obtained administrative credentials through other means.
The attack surface for this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers scripting through web shell execution, and T1078.004, covering legitimate credentials for lateral movement. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including plugin updates to versions that properly sanitize input parameters, implementation of web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and enhanced monitoring of administrative AJAX endpoints for unusual parameter patterns. Additionally, security practices should emphasize input validation at multiple layers and proper output encoding to prevent similar issues across the entire WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability underscores the importance of regular security audits and prompt patch management, particularly for administrative interfaces that handle user-supplied data through AJAX handlers.