CVE-2022-3991 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress plugin Photospace Gallery up to version 2.3.5 allows Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks due to inadequate input sanitization. Attackers with subscriber-level permissions can inject malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2022-3991

This CVE impacts the Photospace Gallery plugin for WordPress, enabling authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary scripts through stored Cross-Site Scripting.

What is CVE-2022-3991?

The vulnerability in Photospace Gallery plugin versions up to 2.3.5 permits attackers to insert harmful web scripts, affecting user interactions on compromised pages.

The Impact of CVE-2022-3991

The security flaw allows attackers with specific permissions to inject malicious scripts that execute when users access compromised pages, posing a risk to website integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-3991

The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization within the plugin, making it exploitable by authenticated attackers with subscriber-level privileges.

Vulnerability Description

Photospace Gallery plugin fails to properly sanitize inputs, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts through parameters saved via the update() function.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions up to and including 2.3.5 of Photospace Gallery plugin for WordPress are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with subscriber-level permissions and above can exploit this issue by injecting arbitrary web scripts that execute on compromised pages.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2022-3991, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update Photospace Gallery to a patched version, implement content security policies, and regularly monitor for unusual site behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits, user permission reviews, and staff training on secure coding practices can enhance overall website security.

Patching and Updates

Ensuring timely installation of security patches and updates for the Photospace Gallery plugin is essential to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.