CVE-2019-14949 in wp-database-backup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-database-backup plugin before 5.1.2 for WordPress has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2023
The wp-database-backup plugin for WordPress contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects versions prior to 5.1.2, representing a significant security risk for WordPress installations. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and output escaping within the plugin's codebase, specifically when handling user-supplied data in administrative contexts. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with sufficient privileges to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's administrative interface, potentially compromising the security of the entire WordPress installation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user input within the plugin's backup management functionality. When administrators interact with the plugin's interface, particularly during backup configuration or execution processes, the system fails to properly escape or validate data that originates from user inputs. This creates an opportunity for malicious actors to inject javascript payloads that execute in the context of other administrators' browsers. The vulnerability is classified as a classic reflected cross-site scripting issue, where the malicious code is reflected back to the user through the plugin's response handling mechanisms. According to CWE-79, this represents a weakness in input validation that allows execution of arbitrary code in the victim's browser context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges, steal administrative sessions, or manipulate backup configurations to compromise data integrity. An attacker could potentially redirect administrators to malicious sites, harvest session cookies, or even modify backup schedules to execute malicious code during backup operations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires authentication but does not necessitate elevated privileges beyond what is normally available to plugin administrators, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple administrators have access to the plugin interface. This scenario aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts used for lateral movement and privilege escalation.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by updating the wp-database-backup plugin to version 5.1.2 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. Additionally, implementing defense-in-depth strategies such as restricting administrative access to trusted users, employing web application firewalls, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins can help mitigate the risk of exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious backup configurations and unusual administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights how seemingly minor flaws in plugin code can create significant security risks for entire WordPress ecosystems.