CVE-2022-1969 in Mobile Browser Color Select Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/13/2022
The Mobile browser color select plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including, 1.0.1. This is due to missing or incorrect nonce validation on the admin_update_data() function. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious web scripts via forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1969 affects the Mobile browser color select plugin for WordPress, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of web applications built on the WordPress platform. This issue exists within versions up to and including 1.0.1, making it a widespread concern for WordPress administrators who have not yet updated their installations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate security measures within the plugin's administrative functionality, specifically targeting the admin_update_data() function which handles critical data modifications. The flaw allows attackers to exploit the absence of proper nonce validation mechanisms, creating an environment where malicious actors can manipulate the plugin's behavior without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability resides in the plugin's failure to validate nonce tokens during administrative operations. Nonce validation serves as a critical security control that ensures requests originate from legitimate administrative sessions by generating time-based tokens that prevent unauthorized modifications. In this case, the admin_update_data() function lacks proper verification of these security tokens, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that appear to come from authenticated administrators. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the plugin's security architecture that aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities. The absence of nonce validation creates a pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized actions within the WordPress administrative interface, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it enables attackers to inject malicious web scripts into the target WordPress installation through forged requests. This capability allows for persistent malicious code execution that can be leveraged for various attack vectors including credential theft, data exfiltration, and further system compromise. The vulnerability's exploitation requires social engineering tactics to trick administrators into clicking malicious links, but once executed, it provides attackers with elevated privileges within the WordPress environment. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by attackers with minimal technical skills, relying primarily on deception rather than complex technical attacks. The attack surface is further expanded because WordPress administrators often have elevated privileges, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for the entire website and its users.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-1969 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that implement proper nonce validation mechanisms, as recommended by the WordPress security team. Administrators must also implement additional security controls including regular security audits, monitoring for suspicious administrative activities, and maintaining up-to-date backups to facilitate rapid recovery in case of successful exploitation. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers and enhanced user permission controls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious requests targeting known vulnerable endpoints. This vulnerability exemplifies the importance of proper input validation and authentication mechanisms, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1548.002 which addresses privilege escalation through exploitation of weak authentication controls. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other plugins and themes, as this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor security oversights can create significant risks within complex web applications.