CVE-2019-15829 in photoblocks-grid-gallery Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The photoblocks-grid-gallery plugin before 1.1.33 for WordPress has wp-admin/admin.php?page=photoblocks-edit&id= XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-15829 affects the photoblocks-grid-gallery plugin for WordPress, specifically versions prior to 1.1.33. This issue represents a cross-site scripting vulnerability that resides within the administrative interface of the plugin, creating a significant security risk for WordPress sites utilizing this component. The vulnerability manifests when users navigate to the wp-admin/admin.php?page=photoblocks-edit&id= endpoint, where improper input validation allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into the application's administrative interface.
This cross-site scripting flaw operates through the manipulation of the id parameter within the photoblocks-edit administrative page. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing crafted script payloads within the id parameter, these scripts can execute within the context of other administrators or users who visit the affected page. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, where the application fails to properly validate or escape user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. The attack vector leverages the plugin's insufficient sanitization of input parameters, particularly within the administrative context where users possess elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive administrative functions and data. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could execute malicious scripts in the browser of authenticated administrators, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or the ability to modify plugin settings and gallery configurations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the WordPress administrative interface, where users have elevated privileges and access to critical site functions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for credential access through social engineering, as the attack requires user interaction with malicious URLs within the administrative context.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the photoblocks-grid-gallery plugin to version 1.1.33 or later, which includes proper input validation and output sanitization measures. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as regular security audits of installed plugins, implementation of web application firewalls, and monitoring of administrative interface access patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation in administrative interfaces, as the plugin should properly sanitize all user-controllable parameters before incorporating them into dynamic content. Security best practices recommend that all input data be validated against expected formats and that output be properly escaped to prevent script injection. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to further mitigate the impact of potential XSS vulnerabilities and establish regular patch management procedures to ensure timely updates of all WordPress components including plugins and themes.