CVE-2022-1474 in WP Event Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2022
The WP Event Manager WordPress plugin before 3.1.28 does not sanitise and escape its search before outputting it back in an attribute on the event dashboard, leading to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2022
The WP Event Manager WordPress plugin version 3.1.27 and earlier contains a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability that stems from improper input sanitization and output escaping practices. This vulnerability exists within the event dashboard functionality where search parameters are processed without adequate sanitization before being reflected back to users in HTML attributes. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code through search queries that are then executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the dashboard. The vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's handling of search terms in attribute contexts, creating a direct pathway for reflected XSS attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, and more specifically maps to CWE-74 which addresses injection flaws in HTML attributes. The flaw occurs when user-supplied search parameters containing malicious scripts are processed by the plugin's search functionality and subsequently output within HTML attributes such as onclick, onmouseover, or other event handlers. This creates a scenario where an attacker can craft a malicious URL containing encoded script payloads that, when visited by an authenticated user with dashboard access, will execute the injected code in the victim's browser context. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the administrative dashboard where users have elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their access or manipulate event data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it represents a significant security risk to WordPress sites utilizing the WP Event Manager plugin. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to perform session hijacking, steal administrator credentials, manipulate event listings, or redirect users to malicious websites. The reflected nature of the attack means that exploitation requires users to be tricked into clicking malicious links, but once executed, the attack can persist as long as the user maintains their authenticated session. This vulnerability particularly affects event management sites where administrators frequently access the dashboard to manage events, making it a prime target for exploitation. The attack vector is typically initiated through phishing emails or compromised websites that direct administrators to malicious URLs containing the crafted search parameters.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching to version 3.1.28 or later where the sanitization and escaping mechanisms have been properly implemented. Administrators should also implement additional security measures such as input validation at multiple layers, regular security audits of plugin components, and monitoring for unusual dashboard access patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper output escaping in web applications, particularly when dealing with user-supplied data in attribute contexts. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts, though this should be viewed as a supplementary defense rather than a primary mitigation. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of WordPress plugins to identify similar sanitization issues and ensure that all user inputs are properly validated and escaped before being rendered in web pages. The incident highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top 10 guidelines for preventing XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.