CVE-2022-3128 : Security Advisory and Response

The Donation Thermometer WordPress plugin before version 2.1.3 is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, allowing high privilege users to execute malicious scripts, even in scenarios where certain capabilities are restricted.

Understanding CVE-2022-3128

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in the Donation Thermometer WordPress plugin that could be exploited by admin users to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2022-3128?

The CVE-2022-3128 pertains to a lack of proper sanitization and escaping in the settings of the Donation Thermometer plugin, enabling admins to execute harmful scripts despite restrictions.

The Impact of CVE-2022-3128

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it allows privileged users, like admins, to inject malicious code into the plugin, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-3128

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from the plugin's failure to sanitize and escape specific settings properly, thereby enabling stored XSS attacks by high privilege users.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue impacts Donation Thermometer versions prior to 2.1.3, exposing websites to the risk of stored XSS attacks if the unfiltered_html capability is not properly restricted.

Exploitation Mechanism

Admin users can leverage the lack of input validation in the plugin's settings to insert malicious scripts, exploiting the stored XSS vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-3128, it is crucial to take immediate steps, implement long-term security practices, and ensure timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Site administrators should update the Donation Thermometer plugin to version 2.1.3 or newer and thoroughly audit sites for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Practicing secure coding, conducting regular security assessments, and enforcing the principle of least privilege can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and staying informed about plugin updates are essential to mitigate risks associated with known vulnerabilities.