CVE-2022-37328 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress History Timeline plugin <= 1.0.5 - Authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2022-37328

This CVE involves an authenticated Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Themes Awesome History Timeline plugin version 1.0.5 and below for WordPress.

What is CVE-2022-37328?

The vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to inject malicious script code into the targeted web application through the affected plugin, potentially compromising user data and website integrity.

The Impact of CVE-2022-37328

With a CVSS base score of 3.4 (Low severity), this XSS vulnerability requires high privileges for exploitation but can lead to unauthorized script execution and manipulation of content, posing a risk to affected WordPress sites' security.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-37328

This section explores the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The authenticated (author+) Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the History Timeline plugin <= 1.0.5 allows attackers to insert malicious scripts, affecting the plugin's functionality when processed by the browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

Themes Awesome's History Timeline plugin versions equal to and below 1.0.5 are impacted by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

The attacker needs author-level access to the WordPress site to exploit this vulnerability, requiring interaction with the users to trigger the injected scripts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your WordPress site from CVE-2022-37328, consider the following security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the History Timeline plugin to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor user-generated content for any suspicious scripts or payloads.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update plugins and themes to ensure they are free from known vulnerabilities.
Educate users with author-level access on safe content practices and script handling.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Themes Awesome for the History Timeline plugin to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.