CVE-2022-46861 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been discovered in the Custom Login Page Styler for WordPress plugin version 6.2 and below. This CVE-2022-46861 poses a potential risk to WordPress websites utilizing this plugin.

Understanding CVE-2022-46861

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2022-46861 vulnerability and its implications.

What is CVE-2022-46861?

The CVE-2022-46861 vulnerability is a Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue found in the Zia Imtiaz Custom Login Page Styler for WordPress plugin versions up to 6.2. It allows an authenticated (admin+) attacker to inject malicious scripts into the plugin, potentially leading to unauthorized access or actions.

The Impact of CVE-2022-46861

The impact of CVE-2022-46861 is rated as MEDIUM severity due to the Stored XSS exposure. Attackers with admin+ privileges can exploit this vulnerability to conduct various malicious activities, including stealing sensitive data, defacing websites, or redirecting users to malicious sites.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-46861

Let's explore the technical aspects related to CVE-2022-46861 to understand how this vulnerability affects systems and what can be done to mitigate its risks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker with admin+ privileges to store malicious scripts within the plugin, posing a risk of executing unauthorized actions on the affected WordPress website.

Affected Systems and Versions

Zia Imtiaz Custom Login Page Styler for WordPress plugin versions up to 6.2 are confirmed to be impacted by this CVE-2022-46861 vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needs to have admin+ privileges within the WordPress environment. By manipulating input data, the attacker can inject malicious scripts, leading to XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard WordPress websites from potential exploitation of CVE-2022-46861, certain immediate steps, long-term security practices, and patching procedures should be considered.

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the Custom Login Page Styler for WordPress plugin to a non-vulnerable version and closely monitor for any unusual activities on the site.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict input validation, user input sanitization, and frequent security audits can help mitigate the risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-46861.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating WordPress plugins, including the Custom Login Page Styler, to the latest secure versions is crucial in addressing known security issues and keeping the website protected.