CVE-2022-1335 in Slideshow CK Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2022
The Slideshow CK WordPress plugin before 1.4.10 does not sanitize and escape Slide's descriptions, which could allow high-privileged users such as admin to perform Cross-Site Scripting attacks when unfiltered_html is disallowed
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1335 affects the Slideshow CK WordPress plugin version 1.4.10 and earlier, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that exploits improper input sanitization within the plugin's slide description handling mechanism. This vulnerability specifically targets high-privileged users including administrators who possess the ability to create and modify slide content within the WordPress admin interface. The flaw emerges from the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape user-supplied input when processing slide descriptions, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be injected and subsequently executed within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's inadequate handling of HTML content within slide descriptions, particularly when the WordPress environment has the unfiltered_html capability disabled for non-administrator users. This restriction is a standard security measure designed to prevent untrusted users from injecting potentially harmful scripts into the WordPress environment. However, the vulnerability allows administrators to bypass this protection mechanism through the plugin's interface, effectively creating a pathway for XSS attacks that can persist across different user sessions. The flaw operates under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically targeting the lack of proper output encoding and sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-1335 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and the deployment of additional malware within the compromised WordPress environment. When administrators interact with slide descriptions containing malicious payloads, these scripts execute in the context of their own browser sessions, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive administrative functions, modify content, or even gain complete control over the WordPress installation. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the elevated privileges of administrators, making it more dangerous than typical XSS flaws that affect regular users.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically under the T1566 technique for credential access through social engineering and T1059 for command and control through scripting. The vulnerability's exploitation path aligns with the ATT&CK tactic of privilege escalation and persistence, as successful exploitation can lead to long-term access to the WordPress administrative interface. Organizations using the Slideshow CK plugin should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to version 1.4.10 or later, implementing additional input validation measures, and monitoring for suspicious activity in the plugin's slide description fields. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security practices in plugin development, particularly around input sanitization and output escaping, as recommended by WordPress core security guidelines and industry best practices for secure coding.