Learn about CVE-2022-2436 affecting the Download Manager plugin for WordPress, allowing attackers to execute malicious actions via deserialization of untrusted input. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
Wordfence has disclosed a vulnerability in the Download Manager plugin for WordPress that allows authenticated attackers to execute malicious actions by deserializing untrusted input. This CVE has a CVSS base score of 8.8, indicating a high severity.
Understanding CVE-2022-2436
This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-2436, affects the Download Manager plugin for WordPress versions up to and including 3.2.49. It enables attackers with contributor privileges or higher to exploit the plugin via deserialization of untrusted input.
What is CVE-2022-2436?
The CVE-2022-2436 vulnerability in the Download Manager plugin for WordPress involves deserialization of untrusted input through the 'file[package_dir]' parameter, allowing attackers to call files using a PHAR wrapper to execute arbitrary PHP Objects.
The Impact of CVE-2022-2436
The impact of CVE-2022-2436 is significant as it grants attackers the ability to execute a variety of malicious actions, given the presence of a POP chain and successful uploading of a file with a serialized payload.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-2436
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from deserialization of untrusted input via the 'file[package_dir]' parameter in the Download Manager plugin for WordPress versions up to 3.2.49. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary PHP Objects.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected system is the Download Manager plugin for WordPress in versions up to and including 3.2.49.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with contributor privileges or above can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a file with a serialized payload, enabling the execution of arbitrary PHP Objects.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
To mitigate the CVE-2022-2436 vulnerability, users should update the Download Manager plugin to a version beyond 3.2.49 or implement recommended security measures.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Users are strongly advised to regularly update their WordPress plugins, including the Download Manager plugin, to protect against known vulnerabilities and security risks.