CVE-2022-2271 in WP Database Backup Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/05/2022
The WP Database Backup WordPress plugin before 5.9 does not escape some of its settings, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed (for example in multisite setup)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2271 affects the WP Database Backup WordPress plugin version 5.8 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks under specific conditions. This vulnerability specifically targets high-privilege users such as administrators who possess the necessary capabilities to modify plugin settings within WordPress environments. The flaw occurs when the unfiltered_html capability is restricted, which commonly happens in multisite WordPress setups where security policies are more stringent. The vulnerability stems from insufficient output escaping of user-controllable data within the plugin's administrative interface, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be persistently stored and executed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to properly sanitize and escape user input when rendering configuration settings within the WordPress admin dashboard. When administrators access the plugin's settings page, the application fails to adequately escape HTML characters and script tags from user-supplied data, allowing malicious payloads to be stored in the database. This stored data is then subsequently rendered without proper sanitization, creating a persistent XSS vector that can affect any user who views the affected administrative pages. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only administrative privileges to exploit, making it accessible to users who are already authorized to modify plugin configurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including credential theft, session hijacking, and privilege escalation within the WordPress environment. Attackers can craft malicious scripts that redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies and authentication tokens, or even modify the plugin's functionality to create backdoors. In multisite environments, where the unfiltered_html capability is typically restricted to prevent XSS attacks, this vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous as it allows attackers to bypass these security controls through legitimate administrative interfaces. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that the malicious scripts remain active until manually removed from the database, potentially affecting multiple users over extended periods.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in web applications, and it relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as the stored scripts can execute JavaScript code within user browsers. The issue also connects to ATT&CK technique T1548.002 for Abuse of Functionality: Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate administrative privileges to execute malicious code. Organizations using the affected plugin version should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to version 5.9 or later, which includes proper output escaping mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict plugin access permissions, implement Content Security Policy headers, and monitor for suspicious activity in plugin settings. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly within content management systems where administrative interfaces are frequently targeted by attackers seeking to establish persistent access to web environments.