CVE-2022-3096 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security vulnerability labeled as CVE-2022-3096 has been identified in the WP Total Hacks WordPress plugin version 4.7.2. This vulnerability could allow low privilege users to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, potentially compromising the security of the website.

Understanding CVE-2022-3096

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2022-3096 vulnerability, its impacts, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-3096?

The WP Total Hacks plugin, up to version 4.7.2, enables low privilege users, such as subscribers, to modify plugin settings. This lack of access control opens up opportunities for stored XSS attacks against users with higher privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2022-3096

The vulnerability allows attackers with minimal privileges to execute malicious scripts on the website, potentially compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the site and its users.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-3096

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2022-3096, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

WP Total Hacks version 4.7.2 fails to properly sanitize and escape user inputs, allowing subscribers to modify plugin settings and execute stored XSS attacks against administrators.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects WP Total Hacks plugin version 4.7.2 and potentially prior versions that do not include the necessary security patches.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the lack of access control in the plugin, low privilege users can inject and execute malicious scripts, leading to stored XSS attacks against higher privileged users.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate the CVE-2022-3096 vulnerability and secure WordPress websites from potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should immediately update the WP Total Hacks plugin to a patched version and restrict access to lower privileged users to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict user access controls, regularly update plugins and themes, and conduct security audits to safeguard against future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the WP Total Hacks plugin and promptly apply patches released by the plugin developers to address known vulnerabilities.