CVE-2022-1301 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

WordPress plugin WP Contact Slider before 2.4.7 is vulnerable to stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, allowing high privileged users to execute malicious scripts.

Understanding CVE-2022-1301

This CVE involves an issue in the Text to Display settings of sliders in WP Contact Slider plugin version 2.4.7 and below, enabling XSS attacks by certain user roles.

What is CVE-2022-1301?

The CVE-2022-1301 is a stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in WP Contact Slider plugin versions prior to 2.4.7, permitting editors and above to carry out XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2022-1301

This vulnerability could be exploited by high privileged users to inject malicious scripts into the plugin's settings, bypassing security restrictions and potentially compromising the website.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-1301

The technical details of this CVE include a failure to properly sanitize and escape user input in the Text to Display settings of WP Contact Slider, leading to XSS vulnerabilities.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the lack of sanitization in handling user-controlled data, making it possible for attackers to insert malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

WP Contact Slider versions earlier than 2.4.7 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing websites to potential XSS attacks by privileged users.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the unsanitized Text to Display settings, editors and above can insert code snippets that execute when the slider content is displayed on the website.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect your website from CVE-2022-1301, immediate actions must be taken to address the vulnerability and implement long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update WP Contact Slider to version 2.4.7 or higher to patch the XSS vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation by high privileged users.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and sanitize user input fields, restrict unfiltered_html permissions, and educate users on secure coding practices to mitigate XSS risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for WP Contact Slider and promptly apply patches to address new vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of your WordPress installation.