CVE-2022-1408 in VikBooking Hotel Booking Engine & PMS Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2022
The VikBooking Hotel Booking Engine & PMS WordPress plugin before 1.5.8 does not escape various settings before outputting them in attributes, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when unfiltered_html is disallowed
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1408 affects the VikBooking Hotel Booking Engine & PMS WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 1.5.8. This security flaw resides within the plugin's handling of user settings and output rendering processes, creating a persistent cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited by users with administrative privileges. The issue stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, particularly when processing configuration settings that are subsequently rendered in HTML attributes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly escape dynamic content before incorporating it into HTML attributes during the rendering process. When administrators configure various settings through the plugin's interface, these values are stored and later outputted without appropriate sanitization measures. This creates an environment where malicious scripts can be injected into HTML attributes, particularly in contexts where user-controlled data is directly embedded without proper escaping. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates even when WordPress's unfiltered_html capability is restricted, which typically serves as a security boundary to prevent script injection in content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables sophisticated attack vectors that can compromise the entire WordPress installation. An attacker with administrative access can leverage this flaw to inject malicious JavaScript code that can persistently execute in the browser of other users who visit pages using the vulnerable plugin. This persistent threat can be used to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, redirect users to malicious sites, or even deploy additional malware. The vulnerability's exploitation is particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where administrators may be logged in for extended periods, creating prolonged exposure windows for potential attacks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with the ATT&CK technique T1548.001 for privilege escalation through the exploitation of administrative access. Organizations using affected versions of the VikBooking plugin face significant risk of persistent security breaches, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for extended periods without detection. The impact is amplified by the fact that the plugin operates within WordPress's core administrative framework, potentially allowing attackers to gain deeper access to the site's functionality and data. This vulnerability represents a critical security gap that can undermine the integrity of entire WordPress installations and compromise sensitive user and business data.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate upgrade to version 1.5.8 or later, which includes proper output escaping mechanisms and input validation. Additionally, administrators should implement network monitoring to detect unusual script injection patterns and consider implementing content security policies to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts. Regular security audits of installed plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, and access controls should be strictly enforced to limit administrative privileges to only essential personnel. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output escaping in web applications, particularly those handling user-provided configuration data.