CVE-2018-6357 in social-media-widget
Summary
by MITRE
The acx_asmw_saveorder_callback function in function.php in the acurax-social-media-widget plugin before 3.2.6 for WordPress has CSRF via the recordsArray parameter to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php, with resultant social_widget_icon_array_order XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6357 resides within the acurax-social-media-widget WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions prior to 3.2.6. This security flaw manifests in the acx_asmw_saveorder_callback function located in the function.php file, creating a critical cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attack vector that can lead to cross-site scripting (XSS) consequences. The vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes the recordsArray parameter through the wp-admin/admin-ajax.php endpoint, which is a legitimate WordPress administrative interface designed for handling asynchronous requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and lack of proper CSRF protection mechanisms within the plugin's callback function. When an authenticated administrator visits a malicious page or clicks on a crafted link, the attacker can manipulate the recordsArray parameter to execute unauthorized actions through the WordPress AJAX interface. This parameter is processed without adequate verification of the request origin or proper nonce validation, allowing attackers to modify social media widget configurations and potentially inject malicious scripts into the widget array. The vulnerability's classification as a CWE-352 (Cross-Site Request Forgery) is directly supported by the improper handling of user requests and the absence of anti-CSRF tokens.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as it provides attackers with a pathway for persistent XSS attacks through the social_widget_icon_array_order parameter. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can inject malicious JavaScript code that executes in the context of the administrator's browser session, potentially leading to complete account compromise, data exfiltration, or the installation of backdoors. The XSS payload can be stored in the widget configuration and executed whenever the administrator views the affected page, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability for high-privilege accounts. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) and T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) as it leverages authenticated sessions to deliver malicious payloads.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-6357 require immediate plugin updates to version 3.2.6 or later, which includes proper CSRF token implementation and enhanced input validation. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting access to wp-admin/admin-ajax.php through firewall rules, implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent XSS execution, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and CSRF protection mechanisms, particularly in WordPress plugins that handle administrative functions through AJAX endpoints. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious parameter manipulation attempts, as the vulnerability's exploitation often involves subtle parameter tampering that may not be immediately obvious during routine security scans.