WordPress WPML Multilingual CMS Cross-Site Scripting Scanner

The WPML Multilingual CMS plugin is widely used by WordPress websites to enable multilingual functionality. It is employed by website developers and owners seeking to offer content in various languages to a broad audience. The plugin facilitates the process of translating blog posts, pages, custom content types, taxonomy, menus, and even the theme's texts. WPML is renowned for its compatibility with a wide array of WordPress themes and plugins, making it versatile and crucial for international websites. Additionally, its integration with translation services helps businesses reach global audiences effectively. Given its extensive usage, vulnerabilities in WPML could significantly impact numerous websites worldwide.

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a common and potentially dangerous web security vulnerability. It occurs when a web application includes untrusted data on a page without appropriate validation or escaping. In the case of WPML, this vulnerability manifests due to improper escaping of some URL attributes. This oversight allows attackers to inject executable scripts into the context of a web page, which could be run in a user's browser. Such vulnerabilities could lead to user data theft, session hijacking, or redirection to malicious sites. Maintaining up-to-date and secure plugins is critical to mitigate such vulnerabilities.

The WPML Multilingual CMS XSS vulnerability is due to the plugin failing to escape certain URL attributes before rendering them on a webpage. The vulnerable endpoint is within the URL processing which, when exploited, allows JavaScript injection. Attackers can craft specific URLs to execute scripts within the browser of someone accessing the compromised page. This might involve tampering with elements like query parameters to embed malicious scripts. The vulnerability often requires a user to click on or visit a manipulated URL crafted by attackers.

Exploiting this XSS vulnerability can have several harmful effects. Users' browsers could execute unauthorized scripts, leading to information disclosure or session hijacking. Attackers may redirect users to phishing or malicious sites. Furthermore, successful exploitation could compromise the personal data of site visitors or lead to a trust deficit between the site and its users. Systematic exploitation has the potential to harm the site's reputation significantly.

REFERENCES

• https://wpscan.com/vulnerability/b9cc519c-7ec2-42c3-9f42-01e928e12139/