CVE-2022-4196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2022-4196, a vulnerability in the Multi Step Form WordPress plugin that could lead to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2022-4196

This section delves into what CVE-2022-4196 entails and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2022-4196?

The CVE-2022-4196 vulnerability is present in the Multi Step Form WordPress plugin version 1.7.8 and below, allowing high privilege users to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4196

This vulnerability could enable admin users to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, even if the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4196

In this section, we explore the specifics of the vulnerability including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The Multi Step Form plugin fails to properly sanitize and escape certain form fields, opening the door for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Multi Step Form plugin versions below 1.7.8. Users with admin privileges are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

High privilege users, such as admins, can leverage the lack of sanitization in form fields to execute malicious Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2022-4196 and prevent future occurrences.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators should update the Multi Step Form plugin to version 1.7.8 or above to address this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement security best practices such as regular security audits, user permission reviews, and input validation to enhance overall website security.

Patching and Updates

Stay proactive by installing security patches and updates promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.