CVE-2022-4162 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A SQL injection vulnerability, CVE-2022-4162, has been identified in the Contest Gallery and Contest Gallery Pro WordPress plugins before version 19.1.5.1. This flaw could be exploited by malicious actors with author privileges to access sensitive data from the site's database.

Understanding CVE-2022-4162

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2022-4162 vulnerability, including its impact, technical description, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-4162?

The CVE-2022-4162 vulnerability is a SQL injection flaw present in the Contest Gallery and Contest Gallery Pro WordPress plugins before version 19.1.5.1. It arises due to improper handling of user input, allowing attackers with author privileges to retrieve sensitive information from the site's database.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4162

The SQL injection vulnerability in Contest Gallery plugins can be leveraged by malicious users to extract confidential data, posing a significant risk to the security and integrity of WordPress websites utilizing these plugins.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4162

Let's explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2022-4162 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper input validation in the cg_row POST parameter of 3_row-order.php. This oversight enables attackers with author privileges to execute arbitrary SQL queries, potentially leading to data leakage.

Affected Systems and Versions

Both Contest Gallery and Contest Gallery Pro WordPress plugins are affected by CVE-2022-4162 versions below 19.1.5.1. Websites utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation by threat actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious users leveraging this vulnerability can craft malicious SQL queries via the cg_row parameter to extract sensitive information from the WordPress website's database, circumventing access restrictions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-4162, website owners are advised to take immediate defensive actions and implement long-term security practices to safeguard their WordPress installations.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Contest Gallery and Contest Gallery Pro plugins to version 19.1.5.1 or newer to patch the SQL injection vulnerability.
Monitor website logs and user activities for any suspicious behavior or unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all installed plugins and WordPress core to ensure the latest security patches are applied promptly.
Consider implementing web application firewalls and security plugins to enhance protection against SQL injection and other common web vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates released by plugin developers. Promptly apply patches and fixes to eliminate known vulnerabilities and enhance the resilience of your WordPress site's security.