CVE-2019-14946 in ultimate-member Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The ultimate-member plugin before 2.0.52 for WordPress has XSS related to UM Roles create and edit operations.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The CVE-2019-14946 vulnerability affects the ultimate-member WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 2.0.52, where cross-site scripting flaws exist during UM Roles create and edit operations. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's administrative interfaces, potentially compromising the entire WordPress installation. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the role management functionality of the plugin.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when administrators or users with sufficient privileges attempt to create or modify user roles through the ultimate-member plugin interface. The plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input before rendering it in the administrative dashboard, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject crafted JavaScript payloads. These payloads execute within the context of the victim's browser session, potentially allowing attackers to steal authentication tokens, perform unauthorized actions, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability is classified as a classic XSS flaw under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain deeper access to WordPress installations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially modify user roles, create administrator accounts, or manipulate the plugin's functionality to compromise the entire website. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets administrative interfaces, making it possible for attackers to gain persistent access to critical system functions. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as the malicious code executes in the browser context of authenticated users.
Organizations using the ultimate-member plugin must implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to version 2.0.52 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict user privileges within the WordPress installation, ensuring that only trusted users have access to role management functions. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional layers of defense, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual administrative activities and potential script injection attempts within the plugin's administrative areas. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes remain essential for maintaining overall system security posture.