CVE-2017-17780 : What You Need to Know

A Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Clockwork SMS component allows attackers to inject malicious code through specific requests, affecting various WordPress plugins.

Understanding CVE-2017-17780

This CVE identifies a critical XSS vulnerability in the Clockwork SMS component used by multiple WordPress plugins.

What is CVE-2017-17780?

The XSS flaw in the Clockwork SMS component enables threat actors to insert harmful code by manipulating the 'to' parameter in specific requests to wp-admin/admin.php.

The Impact of CVE-2017-17780

The vulnerability affects several WordPress plugins that incorporate the Clockwork Free and Paid SMS Notifications, Two-Factor Authentication - Clockwork SMS, Booking Calendar - Clockwork SMS, Contact Form 7 - Clockwork SMS, Fast Secure Contact Form - Clockwork SMS, Formidable - Clockwork SMS, Gravity Forms - Clockwork SMS, and WP e-Commerce - Clockwork SMS components.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-17780

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The Clockwork SMS clockwork-test-message.php component is susceptible to XSS attacks via a crafted 'to' parameter in requests to wp-admin/admin.php. The vulnerable code is present in various WordPress plugins.

Affected Systems and Versions

Clockwork Free and Paid SMS Notifications 2.0.3
Two-Factor Authentication - Clockwork SMS 1.0.2
Booking Calendar - Clockwork SMS 1.0.5
Contact Form 7 - Clockwork SMS 2.3.0
Fast Secure Contact Form - Clockwork SMS 2.1.2
Formidable - Clockwork SMS 1.0.2
Gravity Forms - Clockwork SMS 2.2
WP e-Commerce - Clockwork SMS 2.0.5

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the 'to' parameter in clockwork-test-message requests to wp-admin/admin.php, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected plugins to patched versions immediately.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs.
Monitor and filter user-generated content for malicious scripts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all software components and plugins to the latest versions.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate developers and users on secure coding practices and the risks of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches released by plugin developers promptly.
Stay informed about security advisories related to WordPress plugins and components.