CVE-2022-4466 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover how CVE-2022-4466 affects WordPress Infinite Scroll plugin < 5.6.0.3, allowing contributors to execute XSS attacks. Learn about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
WordPress Infinite Scroll - Ajax Load More version < 5.6.0.3 allows Stored XSS attacks by contributors and above. Learn more about this vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation.
Understanding CVE-2022-4466
The WordPress Infinite Scroll plugin version < 5.6.0.3 is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks due to inadequate validation of shortcode attributes.
What is CVE-2022-4466?
The WordPress Infinite Scroll plugin before version 5.6.0.3 fails to properly validate and sanitize certain shortcode attributes, enabling users with contributor privileges and higher to execute malicious XSS attacks.
The Impact of CVE-2022-4466
This vulnerability could be exploited by authenticated users to inject harmful scripts into pages or posts, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or further compromise of the website.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-4466
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from the lack of proper validation and escaping of shortcode attributes, allowing contributors and above to store and execute XSS payloads within the site.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects WordPress Infinite Scroll versions below 5.6.0.3, making websites susceptible to exploitation if not promptly addressed.
Exploitation Mechanism
Authenticated users with contributor privileges or higher can leverage the plugin's lack of input validation to insert malicious scripts and trigger XSS attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
Website administrators are advised to update the WordPress Infinite Scroll plugin to version 5.6.0.3 or later to mitigate the XSS risk. Additionally, user input should always be sanitized and validated to prevent such attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regular security audits, code reviews, and user role management can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in plugins or themes.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches and updates released by plugin developers. Promptly apply patches to ensure your WordPress site is protected against known vulnerabilities and exploits.