CVE-2022-1749 in WPMK Ajax Finder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2022
The WPMK Ajax Finder WordPress plugin is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery via the createplugin_atf_admin_setting_page() function found in the ~/inc/config/create-plugin-config.php file due to a missing nonce check which allows attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts, in versions up to and including 1.0.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
The WPMK Ajax Finder WordPress plugin presents a critical cross-site request forgery vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1749, affecting versions up to and including 1.0.1. This vulnerability stems from the absence of proper nonce validation within the createplugin_atf_admin_setting_page() function located in the ~/inc/config/create-plugin-config.php file. The flaw fundamentally compromises the plugin's administrative security mechanisms by allowing unauthorized modification of plugin configurations through forged requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic csrf weakness where the plugin fails to verify the authenticity of administrative requests originating from legitimate administrators. Without nonce verification, malicious actors can craft specially crafted requests that appear to come from authenticated users with administrative privileges. This absence of cryptographic token validation creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate plugin settings and potentially inject arbitrary web scripts into the target system. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface of the WordPress plugin, exploiting the trust relationship between the web application and its authenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration modification, as it provides attackers with potential avenues for executing malicious code within the WordPress environment. When an administrator visits a compromised page or clicks on malicious links, the forged requests can silently execute administrative actions without the user's knowledge or consent. This creates a significant risk for WordPress sites running vulnerable versions, as the attacker can modify plugin configurations, potentially leading to further exploitation opportunities or complete system compromise. The vulnerability particularly affects sites where administrators frequently access the plugin's administrative interface, as the attack surface increases with user interaction.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-352, which specifically addresses cross-site request forgery weaknesses in web applications. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the ability to inject arbitrary web scripts creates opportunities for executing malicious commands within the compromised environment. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement additional security measures such as web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious administrative requests. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and authentication checks in plugin development, emphasizing that all administrative functions must verify request authenticity through proper nonce mechanisms to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of the latest plugin version that addresses this vulnerability, along with comprehensive security audits of all installed WordPress plugins to identify similar nonce validation gaps. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual administrative request patterns, and administrators should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites or clicking suspicious links that could trigger CSRF attacks against their WordPress installations. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include checks for missing nonce validation in administrative interfaces to prevent similar issues from being introduced in future plugin versions.