CVE-2019-17239 in download-plugins-dashboard plugin
Summary
by MITRE
includes/settings/class-alg-download-plugins-settings.php in the download-plugins-dashboard plugin through 1.5.0 for WordPress has multiple unauthenticated stored XSS issues.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17239 affects the download-plugins-dashboard WordPress plugin version 1.5.0 and earlier, specifically targeting the includes/settings/class-alg-download-plugins-settings.php file. This issue represents a significant security weakness that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of affected WordPress installations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's settings handling functionality, creating multiple entry points for cross-site scripting attacks that can be exploited without requiring any authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of user-supplied data within the plugin's administrative settings interface. When administrators or users interact with the plugin's configuration pages, the system fails to adequately sanitize or escape potentially malicious input before storing and rendering it within the web interface. This stored XSS vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the plugin's settings, which then executes whenever the affected page is loaded by authenticated users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the plugin level rather than requiring exploitation of core WordPress vulnerabilities or user credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that steal administrator cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or even modify plugin settings to maintain persistent access to the compromised WordPress installation. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any user with access to the vulnerable plugin's settings interface can exploit this weakness without requiring valid login credentials. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79 which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Spearphishing Attachments or Links.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the stored XSS flaws, as the vendor has likely released patches to resolve the sanitization issues. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious script injection attempts, though these measures may not be sufficient against sophisticated attacks. Security monitoring should include regular scanning of plugin directories for unauthorized modifications, and administrators should review plugin settings and user permissions to ensure that only trusted individuals have access to configuration interfaces. Additionally, implementing content security policies can provide an additional layer of defense by restricting script execution within the affected plugin's context, and regular security audits of WordPress installations should include thorough checks of all active plugins for similar vulnerabilities.