CVE-2022-0346 in XML Sitemap Generator for Google Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2022
The XML Sitemap Generator for Google WordPress plugin before 2.0.4 does not validate a parameter which can be set to an arbitrary value, thus causing XSS via error message or RCE if allow_url_include is turned on.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0346 affects the XML Sitemap Generator for Google WordPress plugin version 2.0.3 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that stems from insufficient input validation within the plugin's parameter handling mechanisms. This issue manifests when the plugin fails to properly validate a specific parameter that can be manipulated by unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious content into the application's error handling routines. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's core functionality where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into error messages without adequate sanitization or validation checks, creating a pathway for exploitation that can be leveraged across multiple attack vectors depending on the server configuration and plugin usage context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through parameter manipulation that allows attackers to inject malicious payloads into the plugin's error handling system. When an attacker supplies an arbitrary value to the vulnerable parameter, the plugin processes this input without proper validation, leading to the inclusion of malicious content in error messages displayed to users. The severity of this vulnerability escalates significantly when the server configuration permits allow_url_include functionality, which enables remote code execution capabilities. This configuration allows the plugin to include remote content, transforming what might initially appear as a cross-site scripting vulnerability into a more dangerous remote code execution threat that can compromise the entire WordPress installation. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws, and potentially CWE-94 when allow_url_include is enabled, representing inadequate input validation that leads to arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0346 extends beyond immediate security compromise to encompass potential data breaches, service disruption, and full system compromise when exploited with appropriate server configurations. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code on affected WordPress installations, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data, modifying website content, or establishing persistent backdoors within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects any WordPress site utilizing the vulnerable plugin version, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers without requiring authentication or administrative privileges. This makes the attack surface extremely broad and increases the likelihood of successful exploitation across numerous websites. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it can be triggered through normal plugin usage patterns, meaning that even routine website operations could inadvertently expose systems to attack.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0346 require immediate action to upgrade the affected plugin to version 2.0.4 or later, which contains the necessary validation fixes to prevent parameter manipulation. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress plugins and themes are regularly updated to their latest secure versions. Additionally, administrators should disable allow_url_include on WordPress servers to eliminate the remote code execution pathway, even if the plugin is updated. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual parameter values in plugin requests, and input validation should be implemented at multiple layers to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1190 for exploitation of vulnerabilities in web applications, making it a critical target for defensive measures that focus on both immediate patching and ongoing security hardening of WordPress environments. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar validation weaknesses in other WordPress plugins and custom code implementations.