CVE-2022-4619 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability has been identified in the Sidebar Widgets by CodeLights plugin for WordPress, allowing authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts into pages.

Understanding CVE-2022-4619

This CVE-2022-4619 affects the Sidebar Widgets by CodeLights plugin for WordPress, impacting versions up to and including 1.4. The vulnerability arises due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping.

What is CVE-2022-4619?

The Sidebar Widgets by CodeLights plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the ‘Extra CSS class’ parameter. This vulnerability enables attackers with administrator-level permissions to inject malicious scripts into pages.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4619

The vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts whenever a user accesses an infected page. This issue only affects multi-site installations and configurations where unfiltered_html has been disabled.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4619

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Sidebar Widgets by CodeLights plugin arises due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of the Sidebar Widgets by CodeLights plugin up to and including 1.4 are impacted by this CVE.

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated attackers with administrator-level permissions can exploit this vulnerability by injecting arbitrary web scripts using the ‘Extra CSS class’ parameter.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Sidebar Widgets by CodeLights plugin to a non-vulnerable version, once a patch is released.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and output escaping in all user inputs to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.