CVE-2022-1394 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Photo Gallery by 10Web – Mobile-Friendly Image Gallery WordPress plugin before version 1.6.4 is vulnerable to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks due to improper validation of settings, potentially enabling high privilege users to execute malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2022-1394

This CVE-2022-1394 affects the Photo Gallery by 10Web WordPress plugin versions prior to 1.6.4, allowing attackers with admin privileges to exploit a stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

What is CVE-2022-1394?

The Photo Gallery by 10Web WordPress plugin before version 1.6.4 fails to adequately sanitize certain settings, potentially permitting admin users to conduct Cross-Site Scripting attacks in cases where unfiltered_html is restricted.

The Impact of CVE-2022-1394

The vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized script execution by allowing privileged users to inject malicious code, potentially leading to compromised website integrity or sensitive data exposure.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-1394

The following details shed light on the technical aspects of CVE-2022-1394.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Photo Gallery by 10Web plugin allows admin users to insert harmful scripts, taking advantage of inadequate validation mechanisms and the restriction on unfiltered_html.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of the plugin prior to 1.6.4 are impacted, with the vulnerability specifically affecting instances where admin users have restricted access to unfiltered_html.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation involves admin users leveraging the plugin's insufficient validation to inject malicious scripts, which can then be executed within the context of other users visiting the affected site.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-1394 and enhance overall security, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Photo Gallery by 10Web plugin to version 1.6.4 or higher to patch the vulnerability
Monitor user-generated content for suspicious script injections

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation and output encoding practices in WordPress plugins
Regularly audit and secure admin access privileges to prevent unauthorized script injections

Patching and Updates

Stay updated with security releases and patches for WordPress plugins to address potential vulnerabilities promptly.