CVE-2022-4164 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A critical SQL Injection vulnerability, assigned CVE-2022-4164, has been discovered in the Contest Gallery WordPress plugin versions before 19.1.5.1 and Contest Gallery Pro WordPress plugin versions before 19.1.5.1. Exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers with author privileges to access sensitive data stored in the site's database.

Understanding CVE-2022-4164

This section will explore the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2022-4164?

The vulnerability in Contest Gallery and Contest Gallery Pro plugins arises from the lack of proper input validation of the 'cg_multiple_files_for_post' POST parameter. Attackers can exploit this flaw to perform SQL Injection attacks, potentially leading to data leakage.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4164

With successful exploitation of this vulnerability, malicious users with author-level privileges can access sensitive information stored in the website's database, compromising data integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4164

In this section, we delve into the specific technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The Contest Gallery plugins do not properly escape the 'cg_multiple_files_for_post' parameter before using it in SQL queries in 0_change-gallery.php, opening up the possibility of SQL Injection attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Contest Gallery versions prior to 19.1.5.1 and Contest Gallery Pro versions before 19.1.5.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious users with at least author privileges can craft malicious SQL queries exploiting the inadequate input validation in the 'cg_multiple_files_for_post' parameter.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-4164, immediate actions need to be taken, along with the adoption of long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Contest Gallery and Contest Gallery Pro plugins to versions 19.1.5.1 or higher.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and review code for security vulnerabilities.
Educate users on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from plugin developers and apply patches promptly to ensure protection against emerging threats.