CVE-2019-9909 in Donation Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The "Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform" plugin before 2.3.1 for WordPress has wp-admin/edit.php csv XSS.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9909 affects the "Donation Plugin and Fundraising Platform" WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions prior to 2.3.1. This security flaw exists within the wp-admin/edit.php endpoint where the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing CSV imports. The vulnerability manifests as a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack vector that can be exploited through malicious CSV files uploaded or processed by the plugin. The affected plugin interface allows administrators to manage donation records and fundraising data through CSV import functionality, making it a critical entry point for attackers seeking to compromise WordPress installations. The flaw represents a classic input validation issue where untrusted data enters the system without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of CSV data within the plugin's administrative interface. When administrators upload or process CSV files containing malicious script payloads, the plugin does not adequately escape or sanitize the data before rendering it in the web browser context. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled JavaScript code can be executed within the context of the administrator's browser session, potentially leading to full compromise of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability specifically targets the wp-admin/edit.php page which serves as the primary administrative interface for managing donation records, making it a high-value target for attackers seeking persistent access to WordPress administrative functions. The XSS occurs because the plugin fails to implement proper output encoding when displaying CSV data that may contain HTML or script tags.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to perform administrative actions through the compromised session. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially modify donation records, create fraudulent donations, manipulate fundraising data, or even install additional malware through the compromised administrative interface. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond the normal administrative workflow of processing CSV files, making it difficult to detect and prevent. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and follows patterns commonly seen in web application vulnerabilities where input validation fails to account for all possible malicious payloads. The attack chain typically involves uploading a malicious CSV file containing script tags that execute when the administrator views the donation records page, potentially leading to session hijacking or privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9909 focus primarily on updating to the patched version 2.3.1 or later, which implements proper input sanitization and output encoding for CSV data processing. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as restricting CSV upload permissions to only trusted users, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious CSV content, and conducting regular security audits of installed plugins. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the context of administrative interfaces where privilege escalation risks are elevated. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege for plugin installations and regularly monitor for vulnerable plugins through automated scanning tools. The remediation process should include not only updating the plugin but also reviewing and hardening the WordPress administrative environment to reduce the overall attack surface and prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other components of the web application stack.