CVE-2022-2240 in Request a Quote Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/25/2022
The Request a Quote WordPress plugin through 2.3.7 does not validate uploaded CSV files, allowing unauthenticated users to attach a malicious CSV file to a quote, which could lead to a CSV injection once an admin download and open it
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/25/2022
The CVE-2022-2240 vulnerability affects the Request a Quote WordPress plugin version 2.3.7 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in the plugin's file upload validation mechanism. This vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input validation for CSV file uploads, creating an exploitable condition where unauthenticated attackers can submit malicious CSV files through the plugin's quote request functionality. The flaw exists within the plugin's handling of user-submitted data, specifically in the validation and sanitization processes that should occur before file processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal security controls by leveraging the plugin's lack of CSV file validation. When users submit quotes through the plugin interface, the system accepts CSV uploads without performing adequate checks on file content or structure. This absence of validation creates a pathway for attackers to upload malicious CSV files containing formulas or scripts that can execute when the file is opened in spreadsheet applications like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. The vulnerability specifically enables CSV injection attacks where malicious code embedded in CSV cells can execute automatically when the file is opened, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution on the victim's system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to WordPress site administrators and end users who interact with the plugin's quote management functionality. The impact extends beyond simple data corruption or information disclosure, as the CSV injection can potentially lead to full system compromise through various attack vectors including phishing, credential theft, or remote code execution. The vulnerability affects any WordPress installation running the affected plugin version, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the quote request system. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that even users without valid credentials can exploit this flaw, increasing the attack surface and potential impact.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-434, which describes insecure file upload vulnerabilities where applications fail to validate or sanitize uploaded files. This weakness creates an environment where attackers can upload malicious content that executes in the context of the application or its users. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving initial access through malicious file uploads, potentially leading to privilege escalation and persistence within the target environment. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including plugin updates to versions that address the validation issue, implementing additional file type restrictions, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious upload attempts. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to the patched version of the plugin, implementing strict file validation controls, and conducting security reviews of all user-uploaded content processing within WordPress installations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from existing in other plugins or custom code implementations.