CVE-2022-4668 : Security Advisory and Response

Easy Appointments < 3.11.2 - Contributor+ Stored XSS in Shortcode

Understanding CVE-2022-4668

This vulnerability affects the Easy Appointments WordPress plugin versions earlier than 3.11.2, allowing contributors to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2022-4668?

The Easy Appointments WordPress plugin before version 3.11.2 fails to validate and escape certain shortcode attributes. This oversight enables users with contributor-level access to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks, posing a risk to higher privilege users like administrators.

The Impact of CVE-2022-4668

The vulnerability in Easy Appointments plugin exposes high privilege users to the risk of Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks initiated by contributors. This could lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or other malicious activities on the affected WordPress site.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-4668

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the plugin's failure to properly validate and sanitize certain shortcode attributes, opening the door for contributors to inject malicious scripts that can be executed within the context of higher privilege users.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Unknown
Product: Easy Appointments
Versions Affected: < 3.11.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with contributor access can craft specially-crafted shortcodes containing malicious scripts. When these shortcodes are executed in the affected versions of the Easy Appointments plugin, the scripts get executed in the context of higher privilege users, facilitating Stored XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps and implementing long-term security practices are crucial to safeguard against this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update the Easy Appointments plugin to version 3.11.2 or later to mitigate the risk of exploitation. It is also recommended to review and restrict user roles and privileges to minimize the impact of such attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating secure coding practices, routine security audits, and keeping plugins up to date can enhance the overall security posture of WordPress sites. Regular monitoring for unusual activities and prompt response to security advisories is essential in maintaining a secure environment.

Patching and Updates

Developers should ensure timely installation of security patches released by plugin vendors to address vulnerabilities and protect against potential threats.