CVE-2022-2116 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides insights into CVE-2022-2116, a vulnerability in the Contact Form DB WordPress plugin before version 1.8.0 that can lead to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting.

Understanding CVE-2022-2116

CVE-2022-2116 is a security flaw in the Elementor Contact Form DB plugin version 1.8.0 and below, allowing attackers to execute Reflected Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2022-2116?

The Contact Form DB WordPress plugin before version 1.8.0 fails to properly sanitize certain parameters, enabling malicious actors to inject and execute scripts on the victim's browser, resulting in a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2022-2116

This vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to trick users into executing malicious scripts, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure, cookie theft, and other harmful consequences.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-2116

The following technical aspects of CVE-2022-2116 are crucial for understanding and addressing this security issue.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the plugin's failure to sanitize and escape parameters before displaying them back in attributes, creating an opportunity for injecting malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Contact Form DB - Elementor plugin versions earlier than 1.8.0 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting malicious links containing script payloads that, when clicked by a victim, execute unauthorized actions in the victim's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-2116, consider the following preventive measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Contact Form DB plugin to version 1.8.0 or later to eliminate the security vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, regularly update plugins, and conduct security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security advisories from the plugin vendor and promptly apply patches to ensure your WordPress site is protected against known vulnerabilities.