CVE-2022-40696 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed analysis of CVE-2022-40696 focusing on the Exposure of Sensitive Information vulnerability in WP Engine Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin.

Understanding CVE-2022-40696

This section delves into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to the CVE-2022-40696 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2022-40696?

The vulnerability involves the Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor in the WP Engine Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin affecting versions 3.1.1 through 6.0.2.

The Impact of CVE-2022-40696

With a CVSS base score of 3.7 (low severity), this vulnerability could allow unauthorized access to sensitive information stored by the plugin, posing a risk to data confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-40696

Explore the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in WP Engine Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) exposes sensitive information to unauthorized actors, potentially leading to data leaks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) versions from 3.1.1 through 6.0.2, with version 6.0.2 confirmed as vulnerable.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a remote attacker without requiring privileges, making it easier to access sensitive data via the plugin.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-40696.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their WP Engine Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin to version 6.0.3 or higher to address the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security measures and regularly monitor systems for any unusual activities that could indicate a breach.

Patching and Updates

Stay vigilant for security updates and patches released by WP Engine to address potential vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of the plugin.