CVE-2019-15110 in wp-front-end-profile Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The wp-front-end-profile plugin before 0.2.2 for WordPress has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2023
The CVE-2019-15110 vulnerability affects the wp-front-end-profile plugin version 0.2.1 and earlier, representing a cross-site scripting flaw that poses significant security risks to WordPress installations. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input within the front-end profile functionality, creating an attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browsers of unsuspecting users. The vulnerability exists due to inadequate sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, particularly when processing data submitted through profile forms and displayed on front-end pages.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is embedded into web pages viewed by other users without proper validation or escaping. The flaw manifests when user-provided data containing malicious script tags is processed by the plugin and subsequently rendered in the browser without appropriate HTML encoding or sanitization. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by submitting crafted payloads through profile fields that are then reflected back to other users browsing the affected pages. This type of vulnerability typically occurs in applications that fail to implement proper input validation and output encoding practices, creating persistent XSS opportunities that can be exploited across multiple user sessions.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-15110 extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration from authenticated users. When exploited, this vulnerability can allow attackers to steal user cookies, modify profile information, redirect users to malicious sites, or even gain administrative access if the compromised user holds elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects WordPress sites using the wp-front-end-profile plugin, potentially exposing thousands of installations to attack, especially given the plugin's widespread adoption. Security researchers have noted that such vulnerabilities often remain undetected for extended periods due to the subtle nature of XSS flaws and the complexity of identifying all possible injection points within web applications.
Organizations and WordPress administrators should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to version 0.2.2 or later of the wp-front-end-profile plugin, which includes proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms. The mitigation strategy should also include implementing comprehensive security monitoring, regular vulnerability assessments, and maintaining up-to-date security practices across all WordPress installations. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing content security policies and input validation at multiple layers to reduce the attack surface and prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the web application stack. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper security coding practices and the necessity of regular security audits, as reflected in ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection and T1566 for credential access through web application attacks.