CVE-2022-28222 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

CleanTalk AntiSpam <= 5.173 Reflected XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary scripts via a WordPress plugin parameter. Learn more about its impact, technical details, and mitigation.

Understanding CVE-2022-28222

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the CleanTalk AntiSpam plugin for WordPress, allowing for Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

What is CVE-2022-28222?

The CleanTalk AntiSpam plugin <= 5.173 for WordPress is susceptible to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via the $_REQUEST['page'] parameter in

/lib/Cleantalk/ApbctWP/FindSpam/ListTable/Users.php

.

The Impact of CVE-2022-28222

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 6.1. Attackers can exploit it remotely without any specific privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized script execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-28222

Here are the technical aspects associated with CVE-2022-28222:

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from improper validation of user-supplied data, enabling malicious actors to inject and execute scripts within the application context.

Affected Systems and Versions

CleanTalk AntiSpam plugin versions equal to or below 5.173 running on WordPress platforms are impacted by this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through the $_REQUEST['page'] parameter in a specific file path, leading to XSS attacks and potential data compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your system from CVE-2022-28222, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the CleanTalk AntiSpam plugin to version > 5.173 to patch the vulnerability.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and apply updates promptly.
Conduct security assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in plugins and applications.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by CleanTalk and promptly apply them to ensure protection against emerging threats.