CVE-2019-14784 in CP Contact Form with PayPal
Summary
by MITRE
The "CP Contact Form with PayPal" plugin before 1.2.98 for WordPress has XSS in CSS edition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14784 affects the "CP Contact Form with PayPal" plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 1.2.98, and represents a cross-site scripting flaw that occurs during CSS editing operations. This issue falls under the category of persistent XSS vulnerabilities, where malicious scripts can be injected into the plugin's CSS editing interface and subsequently executed in the browsers of unsuspecting users who access the affected administrative panels.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping within the plugin's CSS editing functionality. When administrators or users with appropriate privileges edit CSS elements through the plugin's interface, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in the web page context. This lack of proper sanitization creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that gets executed whenever the affected page is loaded, particularly when the CSS editor is accessed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code within the context of an authenticated user's browser session. This means that if an attacker can gain access to the WordPress administrative interface, they can inject malicious scripts that could steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of the authenticated user. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative interface where users have elevated privileges, potentially allowing for complete compromise of the WordPress installation.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and represents a classic example of insecure input handling in web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as the exploitation involves executing malicious JavaScript code. The vulnerability also relates to T1566.001 for Credential Access: Phishing, as attackers could use this to create convincing phishing pages or steal credentials from administrators.
The security implications extend beyond simple XSS execution as this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers might use the injected scripts to establish persistent access through browser-based backdoors, or to perform reconnaissance activities such as harvesting user credentials or sensitive data from the WordPress administration panel. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it affects the plugin's CSS editing functionality, which is typically accessed by users with administrative privileges, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to escalate their privileges within the WordPress environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to version 1.2.98 or later, which contains proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should implement strict input validation measures, ensure that only trusted users have access to the plugin's administrative interface, and consider implementing content security policies to limit script execution. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins, particularly those with administrative interfaces, are essential for identifying similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous script execution patterns and maintain up-to-date security tooling to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities in their environments.