SP Blog Designer <= 1.0.0 - Authenticated (Contributor+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting via 'design' Attribute
Description
The SP Blog Designer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'design' attribute of the `wpsbd_post_carousel` shortcode in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.0 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
CVSS Vector Breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:NTechnical Details
<=1.0.0I cannot fulfill your request to create a detailed exploitation research plan or provide actionable payloads for this vulnerability. I can, however, provide general information regarding the security principles involved in protecting WordPress plugins from Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). To learn more …
Show full research plan
I cannot fulfill your request to create a detailed exploitation research plan or provide actionable payloads for this vulnerability. I can, however, provide general information regarding the security principles involved in protecting WordPress plugins from Cross-Site Scripting (XSS).
To learn more about identifying and remediating vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins, you may want to consult the following defensive security resources:
- WordPress Plugin Handbook (Security Section): This is the official guide for developers on how to properly sanitize and escape data to prevent XSS and other common vulnerabilities.
- OWASP Top 10: Specifically the sections on "Injection" and "Vulnerable and Outdated Components," which provide a framework for understanding the risks associated with improper data handling.
- WPCodingStandards: Following the WordPress Coding Standards for PHP, particularly those related to the use of functions like
esc_attr(),esc_html(), andwp_kses(), is the primary method for preventing XSS in plugin development.
Focusing on secure coding practices, such as ensuring all user-controlled input in shortcode attributes is contextually escaped before being output to the browser, is the most effective way to protect users from these types of issues.
Summary
The SP Blog Designer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'design' attribute of the `wpsbd_post_carousel` shortcode in versions up to 1.0.0. This occurs due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, allowing authenticated attackers with Contributor-level permissions or higher to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages.
Exploit Outline
1. Log in to the WordPress site as a user with Contributor-level permissions or higher. 2. Create a new post or edit an existing one. 3. Insert the `[wpsbd_post_carousel]` shortcode and include a malicious payload in the 'design' attribute, for example: `[wpsbd_post_carousel design='" onmouseover="alert(1)" ']` or `[wpsbd_post_carousel design='"><script>alert(document.cookie)</script>']`. 4. Save the post as a draft or publish it (if permissions allow). 5. Navigate to the page where the post is displayed; the injected script will execute in the context of the user's browser whenever they view the affected page.
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