CVE-2022-4775 : What You Need to Know

GeoDirectory < 2.2.22 - Contributor+ Stored XSS via Shortcode

Understanding CVE-2022-4775

This CVE-2022-4775 affects the GeoDirectory WordPress plugin before version 2.2.22, allowing users with low privileges to conduct Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2022-4775?

The GeoDirectory WordPress plugin version prior to 2.2.22 fails to validate and escape certain shortcode attributes before displaying them on a page. This oversight enables users with contributor roles to launch Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, posing a risk to high-privileged users.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4775

The vulnerability in GeoDirectory < 2.2.22 could be exploited by contributors to execute malicious scripts when rendering pages. This can lead to admin accounts being compromised and the entire website being at risk of unauthorized access and data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4775

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the plugin's failure to properly sanitize user input within the shortcode attributes, leaving an opening for contributors to embed harmful scripts into the site's pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

GeoDirectory versions less than 2.2.22 are affected by this vulnerability. Users with roles as low as contributor are capable of exploiting this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

By crafting malicious input within the plugin's shortcodes, contributors can inject harmful scripts that may be executed when rendering the page, potentially compromising high-privileged accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Website administrators are advised to update the GeoDirectory plugin to version 2.2.22 or newer to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, closely monitoring user-generated content and implementing strict input validation practices can help prevent such attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance website security in the long run, it is crucial to regularly update plugins, maintain strong role-based access controls, and conduct security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Developers should stay informed about security patches released by the plugin vendor and promptly apply them to ensure the website remains protected against known vulnerabilities.