CVE-2022-2635 : What You Need to Know

Autoptimize plugin before version 3.1.1 in WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2022-2635

This CVE pertains to a security vulnerability in the Autoptimize WordPress plugin version prior to 3.1.1 that could lead to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2022-2635?

The Autoptimize plugin, specifically versions earlier than 3.1.1, fails to properly sanitize and escape certain settings. This lapse can be exploited by high privilege users, such as admins, to execute Stored XSS attacks, even when permissions like unfiltered_html are restricted.

The Impact of CVE-2022-2635

The vulnerability enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's settings, leading to potential data theft, privilege escalation, and complete compromise of the WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-2635

Here are the technical specifics related to CVE-2022-2635:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of sanitization and escaping of settings in Autoptimize plugin versions earlier than 3.1.1, allowing for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Autoptimize plugin versions less than 3.1.1 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

High privilege users, especially admins, can exploit this flaw to execute malicious scripts despite restrictions on capabilities like unfiltered_html.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your WordPress site against CVE-2022-2635, follow these recommendations:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Autoptimize plugin to version 3.1.1 or later.
Monitor for any suspicious activities on your site.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update all plugins and themes on your WordPress site.
Implement the principle of least privilege for user roles to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for plugins and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities in a timely manner.