CVE-2022-0770 in Translate GTranslate Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2022
The Translate WordPress with GTranslate WordPress plugin before 2.9.9 does not have CSRF check in some files, and write debug data such as user's cookies in a publicly accessible file if a specific parameter is used when requesting them. Combining those two issues, an attacker could gain access to a logged in admin cookies by making them open a malicious link or page
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2022
The CVE-2022-0770 vulnerability affects the Translate WordPress with GTranslate plugin version 2.9.8 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk that combines multiple exploitable conditions. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's lack of Cross-Site Request Forgery protection mechanisms in certain administrative files, creating an avenue for unauthorized access to administrative sessions. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of debug data, where user cookies are written to publicly accessible files when specific parameters are utilized in HTTP requests, fundamentally compromising session integrity and user authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and security controls within the plugin's administrative interfaces. When certain parameters are passed to the plugin's debug functionality, the system fails to perform proper CSRF token validation before executing sensitive operations. This omission allows attackers to craft malicious requests that can be executed in the context of authenticated admin sessions. The debug data writing mechanism specifically stores cookie information in files that are accessible through the web root, creating a direct pathway for credential theft. This issue directly maps to CWE-352, which describes Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities, and CWE-200, which covers exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching, as it enables attackers to escalate privileges and gain full administrative control over WordPress installations. An attacker can construct a malicious link or page that, when visited by an authenticated administrator, automatically triggers the vulnerable debug functionality and writes session cookies to a publicly accessible file. This process requires no special privileges beyond the ability to convince an administrator to click a link, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators frequently browse untrusted websites. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the use of spearphishing attachments or links, and T1548, which involves privilege escalation through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade the affected plugin to version 2.9.9 or later, where the CSRF protection mechanisms have been implemented and the debug data handling has been secured. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious parameter patterns targeting known vulnerable endpoints. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins and ensure proper CSRF token validation across all administrative interfaces. The remediation process should include reviewing file permissions to prevent public write access to debug directories and implementing monitoring for unusual file creation patterns in web-accessible locations. Security teams should also consider implementing session management best practices including secure cookie attributes and regular session rotation to minimize the impact of potential credential exposure.