CVE-2022-0423 in 3D FlipBook Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2022
The 3D FlipBook WordPress plugin before 1.12.1 does not have authorisation and CSRF checks when updating its settings, and does not have any sanitisation/escaping, allowing any authenticated users, such as subscriber to put Cross-Site Scripting payloads in all pages with a 3d flipbook.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0423 affects the 3D FlipBook WordPress plugin version prior to 1.12.1, presenting a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate authorization mechanisms and cross-site request forgery protections. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's settings update functionality, where the absence of proper authentication checks allows any authenticated user account to manipulate the plugin's configuration parameters. The flaw is particularly concerning because it does not implement any sanitization or escaping measures for user-supplied input, creating an environment where malicious actors can inject arbitrary code into the system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-352, which represents Cross-Site Request Forgery, and also relates to CWE-79, representing Cross-Site Scripting, as the lack of input sanitization directly enables XSS payloads to be executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by users with minimal privileges. A subscriber account, which typically has limited permissions within WordPress, can leverage this flaw to inject malicious JavaScript code into pages that display 3D flipbooks. This means that any page containing a 3D flipbook element becomes a potential attack surface where the injected code can execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be leveraged by low-privilege attackers to compromise the entire site's integrity. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript and T1566.001 for Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as it enables attackers to execute malicious scripts and potentially deliver further payloads through compromised pages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's security architecture, where the absence of proper input validation creates a direct pathway for malicious code injection. The lack of sanitization and escaping mechanisms means that user input flows directly into the plugin's output without proper filtering, allowing for script execution in the browser context of other users. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in WordPress environments where multiple users may have varying levels of access, as it can be exploited to create persistent backdoors or to steal session cookies and other sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation is straightforward and does not require advanced technical knowledge, making it a preferred target for attackers looking to gain unauthorized access to WordPress sites. The absence of CSRF protection means that an attacker could potentially trick a logged-in user into executing malicious actions through social engineering techniques, further amplifying the attack surface and impact of the vulnerability.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version 1.12.1 or later, which addresses the authorization and sanitization issues. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing additional security measures such as input validation at the web application firewall level, regular security audits of installed plugins, and monitoring for unusual plugin configuration changes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing during plugin development, particularly around authentication mechanisms and input handling, as these are fundamental security controls that must be properly implemented to prevent such exploits. Regular security assessments and keeping plugins updated are essential practices to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the WordPress ecosystem.