CVE-2022-2425 in WP DS Blog Map Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2022
The WP DS Blog Map WordPress plugin through 3.1.3 does not sanitise and 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 • 08/31/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2425 affects the WP DS Blog Map WordPress plugin version 3.1.3 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through stored cross-site scripting flaws. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user settings and configuration data, where insufficient sanitization and escaping mechanisms leave the system exposed to malicious input injection. The flaw occurs within the plugin's administrative interface where settings are processed and stored without proper validation, creating an environment where attackers can inject malicious scripts that persist in the database and execute whenever the affected pages are loaded.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the plugin's failure to implement proper input sanitization routines for user-provided data within its settings management system. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic stored cross-site scripting vulnerability where malicious scripts are stored on the server and executed in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it targets high-privilege users such as administrators who typically possess the unfiltered_html capability in standard WordPress installations. However, the flaw becomes exploitable even when this capability is restricted, as occurs in multisite WordPress environments where security restrictions are more stringent. This scenario demonstrates how the vulnerability can be leveraged even in hardened security configurations.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2425 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, perform unauthorized administrative actions, or redirect users to malicious websites. In a multisite setup, where the unfiltered_html capability is often restricted to prevent arbitrary code execution, this vulnerability creates a dangerous bypass mechanism that undermines the security model. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that appear legitimate within the plugin's settings interface, making detection more difficult while maintaining persistence within the compromised WordPress environment.
The attack vector for this vulnerability typically involves an authenticated administrator or user with sufficient privileges to modify plugin settings. The malicious script injection occurs during the saving of plugin configurations, where the input is not properly escaped before being stored in the database. When other users access pages that render the stored settings, the malicious scripts execute in their browsers, potentially leading to complete session hijacking or further compromise of the WordPress installation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.001, which describes privilege escalation through the manipulation of application configuration files or settings.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2425 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization flaws, as the vendor has likely released patches containing proper input validation and output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including regular security audits of installed plugins, monitoring for unauthorized configuration changes, and restricting administrative privileges to only essential personnel. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to monitor for suspicious script patterns in plugin-related requests, while web application firewalls can be deployed to filter potentially malicious input before it reaches the vulnerable plugin components. The remediation process must also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing site functionality while maintaining the integrity of the WordPress installation's security posture.