CVE-2022-2409 in Rough Chart Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2022
The Rough Chart WordPress plugin through 1.0.0 does not properly escape chart data label, which could allow high privilege users to perform Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/31/2022
The CVE-2022-2409 vulnerability affects the Rough Chart WordPress plugin version 1.0.0 and earlier, representing a critical cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security model of WordPress installations. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of chart data labels, where insufficient output escaping creates opportunities for malicious code injection. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects users with high privilege levels, including administrators and editors, who can leverage this weakness even when the WordPress site has properly restricted the unfiltered_html capability. The vulnerability stems from improper sanitization of user-provided chart data labels, which are then rendered in the browser without adequate HTML escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when privileged users create or modify chart data within the plugin's interface, where the input data labels are not properly escaped before being output to web pages. This creates a persistent cross-site scripting vector that allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code into chart displays. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to escape output, specifically in the context of web application security. When executed, the injected scripts can perform actions such as stealing user sessions, modifying content, redirecting users to malicious sites, or executing unauthorized administrative operations. The attack requires only a user with sufficient privileges to modify chart data, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple administrators or editors have access to the plugin.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2409 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable broader compromise of WordPress installations through the exploitation of the plugin's privileged access. Since the vulnerability operates even when unfiltered_html is disabled, it bypasses a key WordPress security control designed to prevent direct HTML injection in content. This makes it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where the principle of least privilege is expected to be enforced. The vulnerability affects the integrity and availability of chart data, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate visual representations of information or redirect users to phishing sites. The attack surface includes not only the chart display functionality but also any data processing or rendering components within the plugin that handle user input.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2409 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the output escaping vulnerability. Administrators must ensure that all users with access to the Rough Chart plugin have their privileges strictly limited to prevent unauthorized data modification. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits of WordPress plugins should verify proper input sanitization and output escaping. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1548.001 for privilege escalation through malicious plugin code and T1190 for exploitation of web applications. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain regular backups to recover from potential compromise. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output escaping practices in web application development, particularly in plugins that handle user-provided data in display contexts.