CVE-2022-0647 in Bulk Creator Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2022
The Bulk Creator WordPress plugin through 1.0.1 does not sanitize and escape the post_type 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 Bulk Creator WordPress plugin version 1.0.1 contains a critical reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping of the post_type parameter. This vulnerability exists within the plugin's administrative interface where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into HTML responses without proper validation or encoding. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of authenticated admin sessions, potentially enabling full administrative compromise of affected WordPress installations.
This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically classified as reflected XSS due to the malicious payload being reflected back to users through the web application's response. The issue occurs when the plugin processes the post_type parameter in administrative pages without implementing proper sanitization measures, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can craft URLs containing script tags that execute when administrators view the affected pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface where privileged users interact with the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain full control over WordPress installations. When administrators view pages containing the reflected payload, the malicious scripts execute in their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, modify content, create new administrator accounts, or even install malware. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can deliver payloads through phishing emails or compromised links, making exploitation relatively straightforward and persistent across multiple sessions.
Security practitioners should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. Immediate patching of the Bulk Creator plugin to version 1.0.2 or later is essential as this update addresses the sanitization issues in the post_type parameter handling. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing content security policies that restrict script execution and monitor for suspicious administrative activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output escaping practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection. Organizations should also conduct regular security audits of their WordPress plugins and themes to identify similar sanitization issues, as this type of vulnerability commonly occurs in web applications that fail to properly validate user input before incorporating it into dynamic content.