CVE-2022-4831 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2022-4831, a Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in the Custom User Profile Fields plugin < 1.8.1, allowing low-role users to attack high privilege users.
A Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability has been identified in the Custom User Profile Fields for User Registration & Member Frontend Profiles with Paid Memberships Pro plugin, allowing low-role users to attack high privilege users.
Understanding CVE-2022-4831
This CVE refers to a security flaw in the Custom User Profile Fields for User Registration WordPress plugin version prior to 1.8.1 that enables Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks via shortcode.
What is CVE-2022-4831?
The vulnerability in the plugin allows contributors or users with lower roles to execute Stored XSS attacks, which can be exploited against users with higher privileges like admins.
The Impact of CVE-2022-4831
The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to unauthorized access, data tampering, and potentially taking over control of the affected WordPress site.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-4831
This section covers the specific technical details related to the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises due to the lack of validation and escaping of certain shortcode attributes by the plugin before rendering them on the page, enabling malicious users to inject scripts.
Affected Systems and Versions
The Custom User Profile Fields for User Registration & Member Frontend Profiles with Paid Memberships Pro plugin versions prior to 1.8.1 are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers with as low as a contributor role can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts via shortcode attributes, posing a serious threat to high privilege users.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard your WordPress site from CVE-2022-4831, immediate actions and long-term security practices are necessary.
Immediate Steps to Take
Update the plugin to version 1.8.1 or newer, apply security patches, monitor user activities, and restrict unnecessary privileges to mitigate the risk.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly update plugins and themes, implement security plugins, conduct security audits, and educate users on safe practices to enhance the overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security advisories, promptly install patches, and keep abreast of the latest security best practices to fortify your WordPress site against potential threats.