CVE-2022-1349 in WPQA Builder Plugin Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2022
The WPQA Builder Plugin WordPress plugin before 5.2, used as a companion plugin for the Discy and Himer , does not validate that the value passed to the image_id parameter of the ajax action wpqa_remove_image belongs to the requesting user, allowing any users (with privileges as low as Subscriber) to delete the profile pictures of any other user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2022
The WPQA Builder Plugin vulnerability CVE-2022-1349 represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines user privacy and data integrity within WordPress environments. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 5.2 of the plugin, which serves as a companion tool for popular Discy and Himer themes. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of the wpqa_remove_image ajax action, where the image_id parameter lacks proper user validation. This oversight creates a path for unauthorized data manipulation that extends far beyond typical user permissions, allowing even low-privilege subscribers to execute destructive actions against other users' profile assets.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the plugin's ajax handler mechanism. When a user submits a request to remove an image through the wpqa_remove_image endpoint, the system fails to verify whether the requesting user has legitimate authorization to modify the specified image_id. This validation gap creates a direct pathway for privilege escalation attacks, where malicious actors can craft requests targeting specific user profile images without proper authentication. The vulnerability operates at the application layer, specifically within the WordPress ajax handling system, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses standard WordPress user role checks and permission systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data deletion, creating significant security implications for WordPress sites utilizing affected plugin versions. A subscriber-level attacker can leverage this flaw to permanently remove profile pictures from any user account, potentially causing reputational damage, privacy violations, and disruption of user experience. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and authorization controls, as it allows users to perform actions outside their designated permissions. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to execute, making it accessible to anyone with basic user accounts on the platform.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-862, which describes insufficient authorization checks, and represents a clear violation of the principle of proper access control within web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique, specifically under the T1078 credential access category, where attackers leverage application-level flaws to gain unauthorized access to resources. Organizations running affected WordPress installations face increased risk of user data compromise and potential reputational damage, particularly in environments where user-generated content and profile information are critical components of the platform's functionality.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrade to WPQA Builder Plugin version 5.2 or later, which addresses the authorization flaw through proper user validation of image_id parameters. Administrators should also implement additional monitoring of ajax endpoints and user activity logs to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security hardening measures including input validation, proper session management, and regular security audits of third-party plugins should be implemented to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of all installed plugins to identify potential authorization flaws, particularly in components handling user data modifications and profile management features.