CVE-2022-2091 in Cache Images Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/11/2022
The Cache Images WordPress plugin before 3.2.1 does not implement nonce checks, which could allow attackers to make any logged user upload images via a CSRF attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2091 affects the Cache Images WordPress plugin version 3.2.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress site operations. This issue stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper nonce validation mechanisms, which are essential cryptographic tokens used to verify the authenticity of user requests in web applications. The absence of these security measures creates a significant attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate the plugin's functionality without proper authorization.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's handling of image upload operations through cross-site request forgery attacks. When a logged-in user visits a malicious website or interacts with compromised content, an attacker can craft a specially designed request that leverages the user's authenticated session to execute unauthorized image uploads. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a critical failure in input validation and request authentication. The lack of nonce checks means that any authenticated user session can be hijacked to perform actions that should require explicit user consent and verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized file uploads, as it creates potential pathways for more severe attacks within the WordPress ecosystem. Attackers can use this flaw to upload malicious files that may contain malware or exploit other vulnerabilities in the WordPress installation. The vulnerability affects all logged-in users, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone who has access to a victim's authenticated session. This weakness can lead to complete compromise of the WordPress site, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or when the uploaded files are executed within the web server environment.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the technique of credential access and privilege escalation. Specifically, it relates to the use of cross-site request forgery as a method for bypassing authentication controls and gaining unauthorized access to system resources. From a CWE perspective, this vulnerability maps to CWE-352, which describes Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) weaknesses in web applications. The issue also demonstrates poor input validation practices that can lead to unauthorized data manipulation and potential data loss or corruption.
Organizations should immediately update to Cache Images plugin version 3.2.1 or later, which implements proper nonce validation to prevent unauthorized image uploads. Additionally, administrators should review their WordPress security configurations, implement additional security layers such as web application firewalls, and monitor for suspicious upload activities. Regular security audits of installed plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the WordPress ecosystem. The implementation of proper security controls including CSRF protection mechanisms and session management practices can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and ensure the continued integrity of WordPress installations.