CVE-2022-2233 in Banner Cycler Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2022
The Banner Cycler plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery in versions up to, and including 1.4. This is due to missing nonce protection on the pabc_admin_slides_postback() function found in the ~/admin/admin.php file. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject malicious web scripts into the page, granted they can trick a site’s administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
The CVE-2022-2233 vulnerability affects the Banner Cycler plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.4. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress administrative functions and exposes websites to potential exploitation by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the plugin's administrative interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized code injection that could compromise entire web applications. The affected plugin is widely used for displaying rotating banners and promotional content on WordPress sites, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for website administrators who rely on the plugin for their digital marketing efforts.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the absence of proper nonce protection within the pabc_admin_slides_postback() function located in the ~/admin/admin.php file. A nonce, or number used once, serves as a cryptographic token that verifies the authenticity of administrative actions and prevents unauthorized modifications to website content. Without this crucial security mechanism, the plugin fails to validate whether administrative requests originate from legitimate administrators or malicious actors attempting to exploit the system. This weakness creates a persistent cross-site request forgery vector that allows attackers to manipulate the plugin's functionality through carefully crafted requests. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative backend where banner configurations are managed, making it possible for attackers to modify slide content, inject malicious scripts, or alter banner display settings without proper authorization.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2233 extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within compromised WordPress installations. When an administrator inadvertently clicks on a malicious link or visits a compromised website, the CSRF attack can execute unauthorized actions that persistently affect the site's content delivery and user experience. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication from the attacker, relying instead on social engineering techniques to trick administrators into performing malicious actions. This makes it especially difficult to detect and prevent, as the attack occurs within the context of a legitimate administrative session. The consequences can include defacement of promotional content, injection of malicious advertisements, or redirection of users to phishing sites, all of which can damage brand reputation and compromise user security.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which categorizes Cross-Site Request Forgery as a weakness that occurs when a web application fails to validate the source of HTTP requests. The ATT&CK framework classifies this as a technique for privilege escalation and persistence, as attackers can use CSRF vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to administrative functions and maintain control over compromised systems. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to the latest version of the Banner Cycler plugin where the nonce protection has been implemented. Additionally, administrators should conduct comprehensive security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any other plugins or themes that may be susceptible to similar vulnerabilities. Implementing additional security measures such as web application firewalls, regular security monitoring, and user education about phishing risks can provide defense-in-depth strategies against CSRF attacks. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper input validation and security testing in plugin development, emphasizing that all administrative functions must include robust authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to critical system components.