CVE-2023-0520 in RapidExpCart Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/15/2023
The RapidExpCart WordPress plugin through 1.0 does not sanitize and escape the url parameter in the rapidexpcart endpoint before storing it and outputting it back in the page, leading to a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability which could be used against high-privilege users such as admin, furthermore lack of csrf protection means an attacker can trick a logged in admin to perform the attack by submitting a hidden form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2025
The RapidExpCart WordPress plugin version 1.0 contains a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms. This vulnerability exists in the rapidexpcart endpoint where the url parameter is directly processed without proper sanitization or escaping before being stored in the database and subsequently rendered back to users within the web page context. The flaw represents a classic stored XSS vector that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, making it particularly dangerous in the context of content management systems where administrative privileges are common.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly handle user-supplied input through the url parameter. When an attacker submits a malicious URL containing script tags or other malicious code through the rapidexpcart endpoint, the plugin stores this unfiltered data without sanitizing it according to established security practices. This stored data is then retrieved and displayed in subsequent page renders, executing the injected scripts within the context of the victim's browser session. The vulnerability is further exacerbated by the absence of cross-site request forgery protection mechanisms, which means that attackers can leverage social engineering techniques to trick logged-in administrators into inadvertently executing malicious payloads through hidden forms or automated requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is particularly severe given that it targets high-privilege users such as administrators. When an attacker successfully exploits this stored XSS vulnerability, they can execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the administrative context, potentially gaining complete control over the WordPress installation. This includes the ability to modify content, add or remove users, install malicious plugins, and access sensitive data. The lack of CSRF protection eliminates the need for complex attack vectors, as attackers can simply craft malicious web pages that automatically submit requests to the vulnerable endpoint when administrators visit compromised sites, making the exploitation significantly more straightforward and effective.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications. The flaw also demonstrates characteristics of ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves social engineering through malicious web content, and T1059 which covers the execution of malicious code through script interpreters. The combination of stored XSS with CSRF weakness creates a particularly dangerous attack surface that can be exploited with minimal user interaction beyond simply visiting a malicious page. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including input validation, output escaping, and CSRF token implementation to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability, while also considering the broader security implications of plugin dependencies in WordPress environments and the critical importance of regular security audits and updates.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output escaping as fundamental security practices in web application development. The absence of these protections in the plugin's rapidexpcart endpoint creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers with relatively simple techniques. Security practitioners should emphasize that such vulnerabilities often stem from inadequate security testing during development phases and highlight the need for comprehensive security reviews of third-party plugins before deployment in production environments. The combination of stored XSS with CSRF protection bypass creates a particularly dangerous scenario where attackers can achieve persistent access and control over administrative accounts through relatively straightforward exploitation methods, underscoring the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and robust input sanitization mechanisms in all web applications.