CVE-2022-1573 in HTML2WP Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2022
The HTML2WP WordPress plugin through 1.0.0 does not have CSRF check in place when updating its settings, which could allow attackers to make a logged in admin change them
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1573 affects the HTML2WP WordPress plugin version 1.0.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security weakness that stems from the absence of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection mechanisms. This flaw exists within the plugin's administrative settings update functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit authenticated sessions and manipulate plugin configurations without proper authorization. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where administrators frequently access the admin dashboard and where the plugin is actively used for HTML content processing and conversion tasks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's failure to validate the authenticity of administrative requests made through the WordPress admin interface. When administrators access the HTML2WP plugin settings page and submit modifications, the plugin does not verify that the request originates from a legitimate administrative session or contains proper CSRF tokens. This oversight allows attackers to craft malicious requests that, when executed by an authenticated administrator, can alter plugin configurations without the user's knowledge or consent. The vulnerability specifically impacts the settings update functionality, making it possible for attackers to modify plugin behavior, potentially introducing malicious code execution capabilities or altering content processing rules that could affect site integrity and security posture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes and can significantly compromise WordPress site security and integrity. An attacker who successfully exploits this CSRF vulnerability could modify HTML2WP plugin settings to redirect content processing, inject malicious code into converted content, or disable security features within the plugin. This could lead to widespread content corruption, unauthorized data manipulation, or even serve as a stepping stone for more extensive attacks within the WordPress environment. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal user interaction from the administrator, as the malicious request can be triggered through social engineering techniques or by exploiting other vulnerabilities that allow attackers to execute code in the victim's browser context.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-1573 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that implement proper CSRF protection mechanisms. WordPress administrators should ensure that all plugins are regularly updated and maintained, with particular attention to security patches released by plugin developers. The implementation of additional security measures including the use of security plugins that provide CSRF protection, regular monitoring of administrative actions, and maintaining up-to-date WordPress core installations can help reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious administrative requests. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities in software applications, and falls under ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts for lateral movement and privilege escalation within compromised environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper input validation and authentication checks in all administrative functions of web applications to prevent unauthorized configuration changes that could compromise entire systems.