CVE-2022-4627 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

ShiftNav – Responsive Mobile Menu < 1.7.2 - Contributor+ Stored XSS in Shortcode

Understanding CVE-2022-4627

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in the ShiftNav WordPress plugin version before 1.7.2 that allows users with low roles like contributor to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2022-4627?

The ShiftNav WordPress plugin before version 1.7.2 fails to validate and escape some of its shortcode attributes. This oversight opens the door for users with minimal privileges to carry out Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks on the website, potentially compromising higher privilege accounts.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4627

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables attackers with limited permissions to inject malicious scripts into the website, putting sensitive data and higher role accounts at risk of compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4627

Vulnerability Description

The ShiftNav plugin version prior to 1.7.2 does not properly validate and escape certain shortcode attributes, making it susceptible to Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks by users with contributor-level access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Unknown
Product: ShiftNav
Affected Versions: All versions prior to 1.7.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with a role as low as contributor can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts through the affected shortcode attributes, potentially targeting higher privilege users such as administrators.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the ShiftNav plugin to version 1.7.2 or newer to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, it's crucial to review and restrict user roles to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing regular security audits, employing secure coding practices, and educating users on the importance of role-based access control can help enhance the overall security posture of WordPress websites.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by the ShiftNav plugin developers. Promptly apply patches to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed and website security is maintained.