CVE-2022-0728 in Easy Smooth Scroll Links Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2022
The Easy Smooth Scroll Links WordPress plugin before 2.23.1 does not sanitise and escape its settings, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2022
The Easy Smooth Scroll Links WordPress plugin vulnerability CVE-2022-0728 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw that affects versions prior to 2.23.1. This vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of user settings where insufficient sanitization and escaping mechanisms allow malicious code execution. The flaw specifically targets high-privilege users such as administrators who possess the ability to modify plugin configurations. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-79 - Cross-Site Scripting, which encompasses the injection of malicious scripts into web applications viewed by other users. The issue becomes particularly dangerous because it can be exploited even when WordPress security measures such as the disallowing of unfiltered_html capability are in place, effectively bypassing standard protection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate and sanitize input parameters within its settings interface. When administrators configure the smooth scroll links functionality, the plugin stores these settings without adequate escaping of potentially malicious content. This creates an environment where crafted script payloads can be injected into the plugin's configuration parameters and subsequently executed in the browser context of other users who access the affected WordPress site. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only administrative privileges, making it particularly concerning as it can be leveraged by compromised admin accounts or attackers who gain administrative access through other means.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with the capability to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, and unauthorized modifications to the website content. Attackers could inject malicious scripts that steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or manipulate the website's functionality to serve malicious content. The vulnerability's persistence across different user roles and its ability to bypass WordPress's default security measures significantly amplifies the risk. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 - Phishing and T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through malicious script injection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0728 primarily focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 2.23.1 or later, which incorporates proper sanitization and escaping mechanisms. Administrators should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, monitoring for suspicious administrative activities, and maintaining updated security configurations. The WordPress security team recommends that all users immediately update to the patched version and conduct thorough security assessments of their plugin ecosystem. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly in content management systems where administrative privileges can be leveraged for significant impact attacks.