CVE-2022-0765 in Loco Translate Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/18/2022
The Loco Translate WordPress plugin before 2.6.1 does not properly remove inline events from elements in the source translation strings before outputting them in the editor in the plugin admin panel, allowing any user with access to the plugin (Translator and Administrator by default) to add arbitrary javascript payloads to the source strings leading to a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0765 affects the Loco Translate WordPress plugin version 2.6.0 and earlier, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting weakness that exploits improper sanitization of user input within the plugin's administrative interface. This flaw exists in the plugin's handling of source translation strings where inline JavaScript event handlers are not adequately stripped from HTML elements before being rendered in the editor environment. The vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's admin panel functionality where translators and administrators can modify translation strings, creating a persistent vector for malicious code injection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization practices within the plugin's codebase. When users with appropriate privileges access the translation editor, the plugin fails to properly sanitize HTML attributes that contain inline JavaScript event handlers such as onclick, onmouseover, or onfocus. These event handlers are not filtered out during the rendering process, allowing attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code directly into translation strings. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates within the administrative context where privileged users can modify content, and the malicious code persists in the database until manually removed.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for WordPress installations using the affected plugin version, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of any user's browser who accesses the plugin's admin panel. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious payloads remain persistent and can affect multiple users over time, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised WordPress environment. The vulnerability affects both Translator and Administrator roles by default, expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as a fundamental web application security weakness, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges since it targets default plugin roles, making it particularly concerning for WordPress environments where administrative access is frequently granted to multiple users. Organizations using the Loco Translate plugin must consider this vulnerability as a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks, as successful exploitation could lead to full administrative control over the WordPress installation.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate upgrading to version 2.6.1 or later of the Loco Translate plugin, which contains the necessary patches to properly sanitize HTML attributes and remove inline JavaScript event handlers from translation strings. Additionally, administrators should implement proper input validation measures, including the use of Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts, and regularly audit plugin installations for known vulnerabilities. Security monitoring should also be enhanced to detect unusual activities in translation editor access patterns, as this vulnerability could be exploited to establish persistent backdoors through the compromised administrative interface.