CVE-2022-1104 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability, CVE-2022-1104, has been identified in the Popup Maker WordPress plugin before version 1.16.5. This CVE allows high privilege users to execute malicious scripts, posing a security risk to websites utilizing the affected plugin.

Understanding CVE-2022-1104

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2022-1104 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-1104?

The Popup Maker plugin, prior to version 1.16.5, fails to properly sanitize and escape certain Popup settings. This oversight enables authenticated admins to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, even if restrictions like the unfiltered_html capability are enforced.

The Impact of CVE-2022-1104

With this vulnerability, threat actors with admin privileges can inject malicious scripts into popups, leading to Cross-Site Scripting attacks. This could compromise user data, session tokens, and other sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-1104

Explore the technical aspects related to CVE-2022-1104, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Popup Maker allows attackers to embed harmful scripts within popups, affecting user interactions and potentially infecting site visitors with malware.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts sites using Popup Maker versions earlier than 1.16.5. Websites running outdated plugin versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of input sanitization in Popup settings, malicious actors can insert code snippets into popups, tricking users into executing unintended actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover effective measures to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-1104 and secure WordPress sites against similar vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should promptly update Popup Maker to version 1.16.5 or newer to patch the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for unusual popup behavior can help detect potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits, educate users on safe browsing practices, and restrict excessive user privileges to reduce the impact of future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Frequent software updates, particularly for plugins and themes, are crucial to staying protected against emerging security threats. Regularly check for updates and apply patches promptly to safeguard your WordPress site.