WordPress Members List Cross-Site Scripting Scanner

The WordPress Members List plugin is extensively used by website administrators to manage and display user lists on WordPress-powered websites. Its primary function is to simplify the administration of member data, offering customizable fields and easy integration with existing WordPress themes. The plugin is favored by community managers and membership site operators who require user list customization. By using this plugin, site administrators can conveniently present members in list formats while leveraging WordPress functionalities. Moreover, it supports flexibility in membership management, including search and filter capabilities for both the user and administrator ends. Therefore, the plugin is integral to member-centric WordPress sites seeking an efficient member management solution.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a prevalent security vulnerability that occurs when an attacker injects malicious scripts into content from a trusted website. These scripts can execute in the user's browser and potentially compromise user data or perform actions on behalf of a legitimate user without their knowledge. XSS can be classified into several types, with reflected XSS being the type detected in this context. This vulnerability emerges when user input is immediately returned in the response page without sufficient sanitization or escaping. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal session cookies, keylog users, or redirect them to malicious sites. Therefore, addressing XSS vulnerabilities is critical to maintaining web application security and protecting user data from potential exploitation.

The vulnerability in WordPress Members List involves the lack of proper sanitization and escaping of certain parameters on various pages. The vulnerable endpoint in this case is located within the plugin's admin view user functionality. Attackers can craft specific GET requests that include malicious payloads in the form of JavaScript code. These payloads can be injected into page display output, leading to the execution of potentially harmful scripts in users' browsers. The parameter involved in this vulnerability is the 'page' parameter, which when inadequately filtered, allows attackers to inject script tags resulting in quick execution of malicious code. Such vulnerabilities are highly critical and underline the importance of effective input validation practices for web applications.

Exploiting this vulnerability could have several detrimental effects on a website and its users. Primarily, users could find themselves victims of session hijacking, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or user accounts. Furthermore, attackers can manipulate content displayed to users, potentially redirecting them to malicious domains designed for phishing or malware distribution. Additionally, reputational damage could ensue for website owners upon the compromise of user trust and data security. Continuous exploitation of the vulnerability without mitigation efforts can lead to severe data breaches and loss of sensitive information, thus emphasizing the need for immediate action upon detection.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/d13f26f0-5d91-49d7-b514-1577d4247648