CVE-2022-1217 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The Custom TinyMCE Shortcode Button WordPress plugin version 1.1 and below is vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting due to inadequate sanitization of the PHP_SELF variable.

Understanding CVE-2022-1217

This CVE refers to a security issue in the Custom TinyMCE Shortcode Button plugin for WordPress that could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts through a reflected cross-site scripting attack.

What is CVE-2022-1217?

The vulnerability in the Custom TinyMCE Shortcode Button plugin, up to version 1.1, stems from not properly sanitizing the PHP_SELF variable before displaying it on an admin page, potentially enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts.

The Impact of CVE-2022-1217

If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to attackers executing arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser, potentially stealing sensitive information or performing other malicious actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-1217

The following technical details outline the vulnerability further:

Vulnerability Description

The Custom TinyMCE Shortcode Button plugin version 1.1 and below fails to adequately sanitize the PHP_SELF variable before echoing it back to an attribute on an admin page, making it susceptible to reflected cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Custom TinyMCE Shortcode Button
Vendor: Unknown
Versions Affected: <= 1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious URL containing the payload and tricking a logged-in admin user to click on it, resulting in the execution of the injected script.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-1217 and enhance security, consider the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Custom TinyMCE Shortcode Button plugin to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Implement input validation and output sanitization to mitigate XSS risks in WordPress plugins.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update plugins, themes, and core WordPress files to prevent security vulnerabilities.
Educate users about phishing attacks and best practices to avoid clicking on suspicious links.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches released by plugin developers to fix known vulnerabilities and protect your WordPress site from potential threats.