CVE-2022-1005 in WP Statistics Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/08/2022
The WP Statistics WordPress plugin before 13.2.2 does not sanitise the REQUEST_URI parameter before outputting it back in the rendered page, leading to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) in web browsers which do not encode characters
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1005 affects the WP Statistics WordPress plugin version 13.2.1 and earlier, presenting a critical cross-site scripting flaw that stems from inadequate input sanitisation practices. This vulnerability specifically targets the REQUEST_URI parameter which is processed without proper sanitisation before being rendered back to users in the web page output. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of HTTP request parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the web application's response.
The technical execution of this XSS vulnerability occurs when the plugin fails to implement proper output encoding or sanitisation of the REQUEST_URI parameter before incorporating it into the HTML response. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that get executed in the context of other users' browsers who visit pages containing the vulnerable plugin output. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets browsers that do not automatically encode special characters in URL contexts, making the attack surface broader than typical XSS scenarios where browser-based encoding might provide some protection.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability exposes WordPress installations to potential session hijacking, credential theft, and malicious redirection attacks. Attackers could exploit this flaw to steal user sessions, inject malicious advertisements, or redirect victims to phishing sites that appear legitimate. The vulnerability affects the entire user base of affected installations, as any user visiting pages that trigger the plugin's processing of the REQUEST_URI parameter could be compromised. The attack requires minimal sophistication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by adversaries with basic web application security knowledge.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for the initial access phase through malicious web content. Organizations running vulnerable versions of WP Statistics should immediately implement the patch released in version 13.2.2 which properly sanitises the REQUEST_URI parameter before output. Additional mitigations include implementing Content Security Policy headers, monitoring for suspicious URL patterns, and ensuring all WordPress plugins are regularly updated. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding practices in web application security, particularly for plugins that handle user-supplied data in their processing workflows.