CVE-2023-35772 in Google Map Shortcode Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/19/2023
Unauth. Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Alain Gonzalez Google Map Shortcode plugin <= 3.1.2 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-35772 represents an unauthorized reflected cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Google Map Shortcode plugin developed by Alain Gonzalez. This security weakness affects versions up to and including 3.1.2, making it a significant concern for WordPress users who rely on this plugin for embedding interactive maps within their websites. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters before reflecting them back in the HTTP response. Specifically, the plugin does not adequately escape or encode data that originates from HTTP request parameters, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that get executed in the context of a victim's browser. This reflected XSS vulnerability operates through the standard attack vector where an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script code, which when clicked by a user, gets reflected back by the vulnerable plugin and executed in the user's browser session. The flaw resides in the plugin's handling of map-related parameters that are passed through HTTP requests, particularly those related to map configuration and display settings.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to steal administrative cookies, modify content displayed to users, or redirect them to phishing sites that mimic legitimate services. The reflected nature of this XSS means that the attack payload must be delivered through a third-party website or email, making it particularly dangerous in social engineering campaigns where users might be tricked into clicking malicious links. This vulnerability is especially concerning for WordPress administrators who may have elevated privileges and whose sessions could be compromised, potentially leading to full system takeover or unauthorized content modification.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script injection attacks. Organizations using the affected plugin versions should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the latest plugin version, implementing proper input validation mechanisms, and deploying web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution contexts and conduct regular security audits of installed plugins to identify potential vulnerabilities. The affected plugin developers should prioritize releasing patched versions that properly sanitize all user inputs and implement robust output encoding to prevent similar issues from occurring in future releases.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date WordPress plugins and following secure coding practices throughout the software development lifecycle. This particular flaw demonstrates how seemingly simple functionality like map embedding can introduce complex security risks when proper input sanitization is not implemented. Organizations should establish comprehensive patch management processes and security monitoring systems to quickly identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their digital infrastructure, as reflected XSS vulnerabilities continue to represent one of the most prevalent attack vectors in web applications due to their ease of exploitation and potential for significant damage.