CVE-2022-4468 : Security Advisory and Response

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability has been discovered in the WP Recipe Maker WordPress plugin, allowing users with low privileges to execute XSS attacks.

Understanding CVE-2022-4468

This section will provide insights into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-4468?

The WP Recipe Maker plugin before version 8.6.1 fails to properly validate and escape certain shortcode attributes, enabling contributors to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4468

This vulnerability poses a significant threat as it allows low-level users to execute XSS attacks, compromising the security and integrity of the WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4468

Below are the technical aspects of the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The WP Recipe Maker plugin does not adequately sanitize shortcode attributes, leading to Stored XSS attacks that can be exploited by contributors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: WordPress sites using WP Recipe Maker plugin
Vulnerable Versions: Versions earlier than 8.6.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor privileges can inject malicious scripts into shortcode attributes, which are then executed when the page is loaded, potentially compromising admin accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your WordPress site from CVE-2022-4468, follow these security measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WP Recipe Maker to version 8.6.1 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Limit user roles to prevent contributors from accessing sensitive functionalities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit user permissions to prevent unauthorized access.
Educate users on safe practices to avoid falling victim to XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for plugins and promptly apply patches to maintain a secure WordPress environment.