CVE-2019-15643 in ultimate-faqs Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The ultimate-faqs plugin before 1.8.22 for WordPress has XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/07/2023
The CVE-2019-15643 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the ultimate-faqs plugin for WordPress systems prior to version 1.8.22. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a critical security weakness that allows attackers to inject malicious client-side scripts into web applications. The ultimate-faqs plugin, designed to manage frequently asked questions on WordPress sites, contained a code execution flaw that could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate user interactions and potentially compromise the security of the entire WordPress installation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the plugin's processing functions. Attackers could craft malicious payloads that would be executed when other users viewed the FAQ pages or interacted with the plugin's interface. The flaw specifically manifested when the plugin failed to properly escape or filter user-supplied content before rendering it on web pages, creating an environment where malicious scripts could be injected and executed in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through various attack vectors including comment submissions, form inputs, or direct URL manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft. When exploited, the XSS vulnerability could allow unauthorized individuals to gain unauthorized access to WordPress administrator accounts, potentially leading to complete site compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WordPress remains one of the most widely used content management systems globally, making the ultimate-faqs plugin's vulnerability a significant threat to numerous websites. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566 (Phishing) techniques as attackers could use the XSS to deliver phishing payloads or escalate privileges through compromised administrator sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-15643 require immediate action to update the ultimate-faqs plugin to version 1.8.22 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation issues. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits, input validation enforcement, and monitoring for suspicious activity on affected websites. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping all WordPress plugins updated and following security best practices such as implementing Content Security Policy headers, using secure coding practices, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and provide additional layers of defense against similar vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the necessity of adhering to security standards like OWASP Top Ten and implementing proper input sanitization techniques to prevent such widespread security issues in web applications.