CVE-2022-2046 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Directorist - Business Directory Plugin version less than 7.2.3 has a critical vulnerability that allows administrators to upload malicious files leading to code execution on the server.

Understanding CVE-2022-2046

This CVE affects the Directorist WordPress plugin before version 7.2.3, enabling administrators to upload arbitrary files from the same vendor without proper URL domain verification.

What is CVE-2022-2046?

The CVE-2022-2046 vulnerability in Directorist plugin allows attackers to exploit the lack of URL domain validation, potentially executing malicious code on the server.

The Impact of CVE-2022-2046

This vulnerability poses a severe risk in multisite configurations, enabling unauthorized code execution and compromising the security and integrity of the affected websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-2046

The technical aspects of this vulnerability include:

Vulnerability Description

Directorist plugin versions prior to 7.2.3 allow administrators to upload plugins from the same vendor without proper domain check, leading to server-side code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Directorist – WordPress Business Directory Plugin with Classified Ads Listings
Vendor: Unknown
Affected Version: < 7.2.3
Status: Affected

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by tricking administrators into uploading malicious plugins from the same vendor, gaining unauthorized access and control over the server.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-2046, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Directorist plugin to version 7.2.3 or higher to patch the vulnerability.
Implement strict plugin upload policies and validate the source of plugins before installation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly scan and monitor plugins for any suspicious activity or unauthorized file uploads.
Educate administrators about the risks of uploading plugins from unverified sources.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security updates and patches released by the plugin vendor to address known vulnerabilities promptly.