CVE-2022-3451 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security vulnerability has been identified in the Product Stock Manager WordPress plugin before version 1.0.5, allowing unauthorized AJAX calls by users with low role permissions.

Understanding CVE-2022-3451

This CVE describes the lack of proper authorization and CSRF checks in certain AJAX actions, potentially leading to arbitrary updates by unauthorized users.

What is CVE-2022-3451?

The Product Stock Manager WordPress plugin prior to 1.0.5 fails to implement adequate authorization and CSRF protections in various AJAX functions, enabling users with limited roles to make unauthorized calls.

The Impact of CVE-2022-3451

The vulnerability could be exploited by subscribers or users with low privileges to perform AJAX actions that should be restricted, potentially resulting in unauthorized updates to options within the plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-3451

The following technical aspects are associated with CVE-2022-3451:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper authorization and CSRF validation in certain AJAX actions of the Product Stock Manager plugin, allowing subscribers to execute restricted calls.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Product Stock Manager versions below 1.0.5 are impacted by this vulnerability, particularly the versions preceding 1.0.5.

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users with roles as low as subscribers can exploit this vulnerability by triggering specific AJAX actions that lack proper authentication measures.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-3451, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade the Product Stock Manager plugin to version 1.0.5 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor plugin updates and security advisories regularly to stay informed about patches.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review the security configurations of WordPress plugins to ensure robust protection.
Enforce the principle of least privilege to restrict unnecessary user permissions.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly and maintain a proactive approach to plugin maintenance to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.