CVE-2022-1971 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been identified in the NextCellent Gallery WordPress plugin version 1.9.35 and below, allowing high-privilege users to execute malicious attacks.

Understanding CVE-2022-1971

This vulnerability in the NextCellent Gallery plugin can be exploited by admin users to perform Stored XSS attacks when certain image settings are not properly sanitized, exposing websites to potential security risks.

What is CVE-2022-1971?

The NextCellent Gallery WordPress plugin version 1.9.35 and earlier fails to sanitize and escape specific image settings, enabling admin users to execute malicious scripts via Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, especially in scenarios where unfiltered_html capability is restricted (e.g., in a multisite setup).

The Impact of CVE-2022-1971

The vulnerability poses a significant security risk as it allows attackers with admin access to inject and execute malicious scripts, potentially compromising the integrity and security of the affected WordPress websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-1971

Below are the technical aspects related to CVE-2022-1971:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize specific image settings, enabling admin users to insert malicious code that gets executed within the context of the web application.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: NextCellent Gallery – NextGEN Legacy
Vendor: Unknown
Vulnerable Versions: 1.9.35 and below

Exploitation Mechanism

Admin users can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the inadequate sanitization of image settings within the NextCellent Gallery WordPress plugin, leading to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-1971 and enhance the security of WordPress websites utilizing the affected NextCellent Gallery plugin, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the NextCellent Gallery plugin to the latest patched version to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement strict access controls and review user privileges to limit the impact of potential malicious attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit the plugin for security updates and patches.
Educate users on best practices to prevent XSS attacks and emphasize the importance of secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from reputable sources and promptly apply patches released by the plugin vendor to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture.