CVE-2023-37874 in HTTP Headers Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/06/2023
Auth. (admin+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Dimitar Ivanov HTTP Headers plugin <= 1.18.11 versions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2023
The CVE-2023-37874 vulnerability represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within the HTTP Headers plugin developed by Dimitar Ivanov, affecting versions up to and including 1.18.11. This security weakness resides in the plugin's handling of user input within administrative contexts, specifically when processing headers configuration data. The vulnerability manifests when authenticated administrators or users with elevated privileges interact with the plugin's administrative interface, making it particularly concerning for web applications that rely heavily on header management for security posture. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious scripts are permanently saved on the server and executed whenever affected pages are accessed by other users, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and steal sensitive information. The flaw occurs due to insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's backend processing, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code through header configuration parameters that are subsequently rendered in the browser without proper sanitization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied data within the plugin's administrative interface, which operates under the assumption that all inputs from authenticated users are safe. When administrators configure HTTP headers through the plugin's interface, the system fails to adequately sanitize or escape the input before storing it in the database or configuration files. This oversight creates an environment where malicious actors can inject script payloads that persist across multiple user sessions and page views. The vulnerability is classified as a CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into web page content. The attack vector requires an authenticated administrative session, making it a privilege escalation concern that can be leveraged to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functionalities. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious payload is not limited to a single request but remains active in the application's data store, potentially affecting all users who encounter the compromised headers configuration.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-37874 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even inject additional headers that could compromise the security of the entire web application. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation using the affected HTTP Headers plugin version, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple administrators have access to the plugin configuration. Attackers can exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially leading to complete compromise of user accounts or the ability to manipulate web application behavior through header manipulation. The attack chain typically involves an authenticated administrator visiting a page containing the malicious script or an attacker with access to the administrative interface injecting the payload through the plugin's header configuration settings. This vulnerability can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where HTTP headers are used for security controls such as Content Security Policy, X-Frame-Options, or other protective measures that could be subverted by an attacker with sufficient privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-37874 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the stored XSS vulnerability, as the developer has released patches that properly sanitize user input and implement proper output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should conduct immediate vulnerability assessments to identify all affected installations and ensure that the updated plugin versions are deployed across all environments. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring for suspicious header configurations and unauthorized changes to security-related settings. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts, though this should not be considered a substitute for proper input validation. Security teams should also consider implementing privileged access monitoring to detect unusual administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should review their access control policies to ensure that only necessary personnel have administrative privileges to modify HTTP headers, following the principle of least privilege. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1548.003: Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism, as it involves the exploitation of administrative privileges to escalate the security posture of malicious actors. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and their configurations should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that could be exploited to compromise web application security. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and output escaping in web application development, as outlined in OWASP Top Ten categories related to injection flaws and cross-site scripting.