CVE-2022-36355 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed insights into CVE-2022-36355, a vulnerability discovered in the WordPress Easy Org Chart plugin version <= 3.1. The vulnerability allows for authenticated (contributor+) stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

Understanding CVE-2022-36355

In September 2022, a security flaw was identified in the PluginlySpeaking Easy Org Chart WordPress plugin version <= 3.1, enabling attackers to execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2022-36355?

The CVE-2022-36355 vulnerability refers to an authenticated (contributor+) stored cross-site scripting (XSS) security issue in the Easy Org Chart plugin, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts into the web application.

The Impact of CVE-2022-36355

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity with a base score of 5.4 (CVSS:3.1). Although the attack complexity is low, the exploitation requires user interaction, making it a concerning issue for website administrators.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-36355

The following technical details outline the vulnerability in PluginlySpeaking Easy Org Chart plugin:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability enables authenticated users (contributor+) to store malicious scripts into the plugin, leading to potential XSS attacks within WordPress websites utilizing the affected plugin version <= 3.1.

Affected Systems and Versions

The PluginlySpeaking Easy Org Chart plugin versions equal to and below 3.1 are impacted by this vulnerability, highlighting the importance of prompt action for users of these versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor-level access can utilize this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts into the stored data of the Easy Org Chart plugin, exploiting the XSS vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-36355 and enhance security measures, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Easy Org Chart plugin to a secure version exceeding 3.1.
Monitor user-contributed content for suspicious scripts and sanitize inputs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly.
Educate users with elevated privileges about secure coding practices to prevent similar exploits.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by PluginlySpeaking for the Easy Org Chart plugin. Regularly update the plugin to latest secure versions to mitigate potential risks of XSS attacks.