CVE-2022-0641 in Popup Like box Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2022
The Popup Like box WordPress plugin before 3.6.1 does not sanitize and escape the ays_fb_tab parameter before outputting it back in an admin page, leading to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0641 affects the Popup Like box WordPress plugin version 3.6.1 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes administrators to potential cross-site scripting attacks. This issue resides within the plugin's handling of user input parameters, specifically the ays_fb_tab parameter that is processed within the administrative interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output escaping mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize data before it is rendered back to users in the admin dashboard context.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing a specially crafted ays_fb_tab parameter value that includes executable JavaScript code. When an administrator with appropriate privileges clicks on this malicious link or visits a page containing the crafted parameter, the malicious script executes within the administrator's browser context. This reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability operates without requiring persistent storage of the malicious payload, making it particularly dangerous as it can be delivered through email links, compromised websites, or other social engineering vectors. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised administrative session. An attacker could potentially steal session cookies, modify plugin settings, access sensitive administrative data, or even install malicious code within the WordPress environment. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not need to store malicious payloads on the target server, making detection more difficult and the attack surface broader. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics, and T1190 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of the affected plugin to version 3.6.1 or later, which contains the necessary sanitization and escaping mechanisms to prevent the reflected XSS attack. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, monitoring for suspicious administrative activity, and implementing content security policies to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly within administrative interfaces where elevated privileges exist. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security scanning to detect similar vulnerabilities across their entire WordPress ecosystem.