CVE-2022-40195 : What You Need to Know

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the PCA Predict plugin version 1.0.3 and below for WordPress was discovered by Patchstack Alliance. This CVE was made public on September 12, 2022, with a base severity score of 4.8.

Understanding CVE-2022-40195

This section will provide insights into the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2022-40195?

The CVE-2022-40195 refers to an Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability that affects the PCA Predict plugin version 1.0.3 and below in WordPress. The vulnerability allows attackers with admin or higher privileges to inject malicious scripts into the plugin, which can then be executed within the context of the affected site.

The Impact of CVE-2022-40195

With a CVSS base score of 4.8, this vulnerability is considered of medium severity. The attack complexity is low, but the privileges required are high, making it crucial for users to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-40195

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including affected systems, exploitation mechanisms, and more.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to store and execute malicious scripts within the PCA Predict plugin <= 1.0.3 in WordPress, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Affected Systems and Versions

The PCA Predict plugin versions equal to and below 1.0.3 are impacted by this XSS vulnerability. Users with these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, attackers need to have admin or higher privileges on the WordPress site where the vulnerable version of the PCA Predict plugin is installed. By injecting malicious scripts through the plugin's interface, attackers can manipulate the site's behavior.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps users can take to address the CVE-2022-40195 vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update the PCA Predict plugin to a non-vulnerable version immediately. Additionally, monitoring for any suspicious activities on the site can help detect potential exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, users should follow security best practices such as regular security audits, restricting admin privileges, and keeping all plugins and software up to date to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for users to apply security patches released by the plugin vendor promptly. Regularly updating software can help protect the site from known vulnerabilities and security threats.