CVE-2022-1029 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Limit Login Attempts WordPress plugin before 4.0.72 is vulnerable to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Malicious users with administrator privileges could exploit this issue by injecting malicious JavaScript code.

Understanding CVE-2022-1029

This CVE describes a security vulnerability in the Limit Login Attempts WordPress plugin that allows attackers to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2022-1029?

The Limit Login Attempts plugin version prior to 4.0.72 fails to properly sanitize and escape certain settings, enabling authorized users to store harmful JavaScript code, resulting in XSS attacks, particularly in setups where unfiltered_html is restricted.

The Impact of CVE-2022-1029

This vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into the webpage, leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other malicious activities on the affected WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-1029

The following technical details outline the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The plugin version less than 4.0.72 doesn't adequately filter some settings, permitting users with admin privileges to insert dangerous JavaScript code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Limit Login Attempts
Vendor: Unknown
Vulnerable Versions: < 4.0.72

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with administrator rights can exploit this flaw by storing malicious JavaScript code, leveraging the lack of proper sanitization in the plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent exploitation of CVE-2022-1029, consider the following steps.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Limit Login Attempts plugin to version 4.0.72 or higher to mitigate this vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activity on the WordPress site.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and WordPress core to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement least privilege access to minimize the impact of potential security breaches.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and apply patches promptly to protect against evolving threats.