CVE-2022-2540 in Link Optimizer Lite Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2022
The Link Optimizer Lite plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery to Cross-Site Scripting in versions up to, and including 1.4.5. This is due to missing nonce validation on the admin_page function found in the ~/admin.php file. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to modify the plugin's settings and inject malicious web scripts via a forged request granted they can trick a site administrator into performing an action such as clicking on a link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2540 affects the Link Optimizer Lite WordPress plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 1.4.5. This represents a critical security flaw that combines elements of cross-site request forgery and cross-site scripting attacks, creating a particularly dangerous exploit vector for malicious actors targeting WordPress installations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication mechanisms within the plugin's administrative interface, making it possible for unauthenticated attackers to manipulate plugin settings and execute malicious code through carefully crafted forged requests.
The technical flaw manifests in the admin_page function located within the ~/admin.php file of the vulnerable plugin. This function lacks proper nonce validation, which serves as a critical security mechanism designed to verify that administrative actions originate from legitimate sources within the WordPress administration interface. Without nonce verification, any attacker can craft malicious requests that appear to come from authenticated administrators, bypassing the standard WordPress security controls that protect against unauthorized modifications to plugin settings. This weakness directly aligns with CWE-352, which describes Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerabilities where applications fail to validate the origin of requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that can persistently affect the WordPress installation. When an administrator unknowingly clicks on a malicious link or visits a compromised website, the forged request can modify plugin configurations and inject JavaScript code that executes in the context of the administrator's browser session. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be used to steal session cookies, modify website content, redirect users to malicious sites, or even establish backdoor access to the compromised WordPress installation. The attack requires social engineering to trick administrators into performing actions, but once successful, it provides attackers with significant control over the affected site's functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2540 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to versions that include proper nonce validation and security patches. WordPress administrators must ensure that all plugins are regularly updated and maintained, particularly those with administrative interfaces that handle user data or system configurations. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized administrative changes and suspicious plugin modifications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper authentication controls and input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential harvesting through social engineering. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as web application firewalls and regular security audits to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of successful exploitation attempts.