CVE-2019-7413 in Parallax Scroll Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
In the Parallax Scroll (aka adamrob-parallax-scroll) plugin before 2.1 for WordPress, includes/adamrob-parralax-shortcode.php allows XSS via the title text. ("parallax" has a spelling change within the PHP filename.)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7413 affects the Parallax Scroll plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions prior to 2.1. This issue resides within the includes/adamrob-parralax-shortcode.php file where user-supplied title text is not properly sanitized or escaped before being rendered in the web page output. The vulnerability represents a classic cross-site scripting flaw that allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into the plugin's shortcode functionality. The spelling variation in the filename from "parallax" to "parralax" suggests a potential typo or inconsistency in the codebase that may have contributed to the oversight in input validation.
This vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. The attack vector exploits the plugin's handling of shortcode parameters where the title attribute is directly incorporated into the HTML output without appropriate sanitization measures. When a WordPress administrator or user views a page containing the vulnerable shortcode with maliciously crafted title text, the injected JavaScript code executes in the context of the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat that can be leveraged for various malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, or defacement of the affected website.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a foothold within the WordPress environment. An attacker who can manipulate the title parameter through the shortcode can potentially escalate privileges or gain access to sensitive administrative functions if the victim is logged in as an administrator. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-user environments where the attacker might not need to directly target the administrator but could exploit the vulnerability to compromise other users with lower privileges. The persistent nature of the XSS vulnerability means that any page containing the affected shortcode becomes a potential attack surface for visitors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-7413 involve immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 2.1 or later where the XSS vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization. WordPress administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their plugin installations to identify any other potentially vulnerable components. The recommended approach includes implementing proper output escaping mechanisms for all user-provided content and employing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payload patterns associated with XSS attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and proper input validation as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security principles, particularly focusing on the prevention of injection flaws that can lead to more severe security breaches. Organizations should also maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other plugins and themes that may present comparable risks.