CVE-2022-0364 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability exists in the Modern Events Calendar Lite WordPress plugin before version 6.4.0, allowing attackers with a role as low as contributor to execute malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2022-0364

This CVE involves a security flaw in the Modern Events Calendar Lite plugin that could be exploited by low-privileged users to conduct cross-site scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2022-0364?

The vulnerability in the Modern Events Calendar Lite plugin enables users with limited access to inject and execute malicious scripts, posing a risk of unauthorized actions on the website.

The Impact of CVE-2022-0364

The impact of this CVE is significant as it allows contributors and similar low-privileged users to carry out stored cross-site scripting attacks, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-0364

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a lack of proper sanitization and escaping of Hourly Schedule parameters in the plugin code, leading to the execution of malicious scripts by unauthorized users.

Affected Systems and Versions

Modern Events Calendar Lite versions prior to 6.4.0 are impacted by this vulnerability, making websites using these versions susceptible to stored cross-site scripting attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with a role as low as contributor can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the Hourly Schedule parameters, which then get executed when accessed by other users or site visitors.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-0364, immediate steps should be taken to secure the affected systems and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the Modern Events Calendar Lite plugin to version 6.4.0 or higher to patch the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation by unauthorized users.

Long-Term Security Practices

It is advisable to regularly monitor and update all plugins and themes on WordPress sites, conduct security audits, and educate users about best practices to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Vendor patches and updates should be promptly applied to ensure that the website is protected against known vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.