CVE-2022-0899 in Header Footer Code Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2022
The Header Footer Code Manager WordPress plugin before 1.1.24 does not escape generated URLs before outputting them back in attributes in an admin page, leading to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0899 affects the Header Footer Code Manager WordPress plugin version 1.1.23 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that exposes WordPress administrators to reflected cross-site scripting attacks. This issue stems from inadequate output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's admin interface where generated URLs are directly embedded into HTML attributes without proper sanitization. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin processes and displays user-generated or system-generated URLs in administrative pages, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to inject malicious scripts into the browser context of authenticated users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to apply proper HTML escaping to URL values before incorporating them into attribute contexts such as href, src, or other HTML element properties. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing script payloads and the plugin processes this input without sanitization, the reflected XSS occurs upon page rendering in the administrator's browser. This flaw operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration classification of CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which specifically addresses the failure to sanitize user input before incorporating it into web page content. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it occurs within the admin interface, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited against privileged users with elevated permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-0899 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities through the compromised administrator session. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, modify plugin configurations, inject additional malicious code into the WordPress environment, or even escalate privileges within the system. The reflected nature of the XSS means that the attack payload is delivered through a malicious URL that must be clicked by the victim, typically through social engineering techniques such as phishing emails or compromised websites. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell and T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers can use the XSS to establish persistent access or deliver additional payloads. The vulnerability also aligns with the technique of T1584.002 - Compromise Infrastructure: Domains, where attackers might register malicious domains that, when processed by the vulnerable plugin, trigger the XSS attack.
The remediation for CVE-2022-0899 requires immediate upgrading of the Header Footer Code Manager plugin to version 1.1.24 or later, which includes proper output escaping mechanisms for URL values. Additionally, administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output sanitization practices across all WordPress plugins and themes to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Security measures should include regular plugin audits, implementation of Content Security Policy headers, and monitoring for suspicious activity in admin interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly within administrative interfaces where privileged access can be compromised. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their WordPress environments, as this type of flaw represents a common attack vector that can lead to complete system compromise when exploited by skilled adversaries.