WordPress AVChat Video Chat Cross-Site Scripting Scanner

The WordPress AVChat Video Chat is used by website owners to integrate video chat functionalities into their WordPress sites. It provides a platform for real-time video conferencing and social interactions, often utilized by communities and businesses for communication purposes. This plugin is popular among WordPress users who need a robust video chat solution that is straightforward to implement. The software enhances user engagement on websites, allowing users to interact via video with other participants. Its features include multi-room chat support, customizable interfaces, and administrative controls over chat rooms. Despite its utility, ensuring security is crucial, particularly for plugins dealing with interactive user content.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a vulnerability that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into webpages viewed by other users. Often exploited through forms and message boards, XSS can lead to unauthorized actions being taken on behalf of the user. The vulnerability can be exploited to steal user session cookies, deface websites, or redirect users to phishing or malicious sites. By exploiting an XSS vulnerability, attackers can execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the user's session. This vulnerability is a critical concern for websites facilitating user interaction or content sharing. It compromises the trust and security of the site and its users.

The vulnerability in WordPress AVChat Video Chat 1.4.1 manifests via reflected XSS through the 'index_popup.php' file and multiple parameters. This flaw allows attackers to inject JavaScript into URLs, which, when clicked by a user, execute in their browser session. The specific parameters susceptible to this injection are 'movie_param' and 'FB_appId', which are inadequately sanitized. Exploiting this vulnerability necessitates user interaction, such as clicking on a maliciously crafted link. The vulnerability arises due to the software's failure to properly validate or escape user-supplied data. This deficiency underscores the need for rigorous input validation and output encoding practices in software development.

If exploited, this vulnerability can have severe repercussions for website users and administrators. Attackers could gain unauthorized control over user accounts, leading to data theft or manipulation. Users may be redirected to harmful sites, compromising their personal data. The website's reputation may suffer, leading to decreased user trust and engagement. Administrators could face challenges in system integrity and user safety, necessitating costly and time-consuming recovery efforts. Moreover, the exposure could lead to additional exploitations if not promptly addressed and patched. Mitigating such risks involves understanding and patching the vulnerability swiftly to protect all users and systems involved.

REFERENCES

• https://codevigilant.com/disclosure/wp-plugin-avchat-3-a3-cross-site-scripting-xss/
• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/fce99c82-3958-4c17-88d3-6e8fa1a11e59