CVE-2022-1846 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Tiny Contact Form WordPress plugin version 0.7 and below is vulnerable to an Arbitrary Settings Update via CSRF attack that could potentially allow attackers to change settings using a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) exploit.

Understanding CVE-2022-1846

This section provides insight into the nature of the vulnerability and its impact.

What is CVE-2022-1846?

The Tiny Contact Form WordPress plugin version 0.7 and below lacks CSRF checks, making it susceptible to CSRF attacks. This vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious actors to manipulate settings via a CSRF attack.

The Impact of CVE-2022-1846

The lack of CSRF protection in the Tiny Contact Form plugin allows attackers to exploit the vulnerability to change settings using CSRF attacks, posing a risk to the security and integrity of the affected WordPress sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-1846

Detailed technical information related to the CVE is discussed below.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Tiny Contact Form WordPress plugin version 0.7 and below arises from the absence of CSRF validation during settings update, enabling unauthorized modification of settings through CSRF attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The CVE affects Tiny Contact Form plugin version 0.7 and below, leaving WordPress sites with these versions exposed to the CSRF vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the CVE-2022-1846 vulnerability by crafting malicious requests, tricking authenticated admins into unintentionally altering settings, resulting in potential misuse of the plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protective measures and best practices to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2022-1846 are crucial for ensuring the security of WordPress sites.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Tiny Contact Form plugin to a secure version that includes proper CSRF protections. Additionally, users should remain vigilant about any unauthorized changes to the plugin settings.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures, such as employing CSRF tokens and conducting security audits regularly, can help safeguard WordPress sites from similar CSRF vulnerabilities in plugins.

Patching and Updates

Maintaining an up-to-date version of the Tiny Contact Form plugin with security patches is essential to address known vulnerabilities and ensure a secure user experience.