CVE-2022-3679 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A security vulnerability has been identified in the Starter Templates by Kadence WP WordPress plugin, potentially leading to PHP object injection. It has been assigned the CVE ID CVE-2022-3679 and was published by WPScan on January 9, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2022-3679

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2022-3679 vulnerability in the Starter Templates by Kadence WP plugin.

What is CVE-2022-3679?

The CVE-2022-3679 vulnerability exists in versions of the Starter Templates by Kadence WP plugin prior to 1.2.17. It occurs due to the unserialization of content from imported files, which could result in PHP object injection if a malicious file is imported by an admin with a suitable gadget chain on the blog.

The Impact of CVE-2022-3679

Exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary PHP code within the context of the affected WordPress site, potentially leading to unauthorized access or further compromise of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-3679

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2022-3679.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of untrusted data during the unserialization process in the Starter Templates by Kadence WP plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Starter Templates by Kadence WP WordPress plugin with versions prior to 1.2.17.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by enticing an admin to import a specially crafted file containing malicious PHP objects, thereby injecting and executing arbitrary code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-3679, certain steps can be taken.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Starter Templates by Kadence WP plugin to version 1.2.17 or later.
Regularly monitor the plugin and WordPress security advisories for any updates or patches.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict file upload policies and validate imported files for malicious content.
Employ web application firewalls to detect and block potential attacks targeting PHP object injection vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to promptly apply security patches and updates released by the plugin vendor to address known vulnerabilities and protect WordPress sites from exploitation.