CVE-2022-4788 : Security Advisory and Response

A stored XSS vulnerability in the Embed PDF WordPress plugin version 1.0.6 and below can allow attackers with contributor or higher roles to execute malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2022-4788

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in the Embed PDF plugin for WordPress that enables stored XSS attacks through shortcode attributes.

What is CVE-2022-4788?

The Embed PDF WordPress plugin version 1.0.6 and earlier fails to properly validate and escape certain shortcode attributes, leading to potential Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4788

This vulnerability could be exploited by users with contributor privileges or higher to inject and execute malicious scripts in the context of an affected page or post.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4788

The following technical aspects provide insight into the vulnerability, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The security flaw arises from inadequate validation and escaping of shortcode attributes, allowing users to insert scripts that are executed when the shortcode is embedded in a post or page.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the Embed PDF WordPress plugin versions up to and including 1.0.6.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor privileges or higher can leverage this flaw to execute stored XSS attacks by crafting malicious shortcodes with embedded scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your system from CVE-2022-4788, consider the following mitigation strategies and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Embed PDF plugin to the latest version immediately.
Review and sanitize shortcode attributes to prevent script injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all WordPress plugins and themes to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits of plugins to identify and address potential security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for the Embed PDF plugin and apply patches promptly to eliminate the risk of exploitation.