CVE-2022-2542 in uContext for Clickbank Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2022
The uContext for Clickbank plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery to Cross-Site Scripting in versions up to, and including 3.9.1. This is due to missing nonce validation in the ~/app/sites/ajax/actions/keyword_save.php file that is called via the doAjax() function. 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-2022-2542 affects the uContext plugin for WordPress, specifically targeting versions up to and including 3.9.1. This represents a critical security flaw that combines elements of cross-site request forgery and cross-site scripting attacks, creating a particularly dangerous vector for malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and security controls within the plugin's administrative interface, making it possible for unauthenticated attackers to manipulate plugin settings and execute malicious scripts on affected websites.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the ~/app/sites/ajax/actions/keyword_save.php file, which is invoked through the doAjax() function. This file lacks proper nonce validation mechanisms that are essential for verifying the authenticity of administrative requests. Nonce validation is a fundamental security practice that ensures requests originate from legitimate administrative sessions and prevents unauthorized modifications to plugin configurations. The absence of this validation creates a pathway for attackers to craft malicious requests that appear to be legitimate administrative actions, bypassing standard WordPress security measures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise entire WordPress installations through a combination of CSRF and XSS exploitation techniques. When an authenticated administrator performs actions such as clicking on malicious links or visiting compromised websites, the forged requests can silently modify plugin settings and inject persistent malicious scripts into the website's content. This dual nature of the vulnerability allows attackers to establish footholds within WordPress environments and potentially escalate privileges to gain broader system access.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in web applications. The flaw also demonstrates characteristics of CWE-79, which covers Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, as the malicious scripts can be injected and executed within the context of the administrator's browser session. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting, as it enables malicious script execution, and T1548.002 for Abuse of Functionality, as it exploits legitimate plugin functionality for unauthorized purposes. Organizations running affected WordPress installations face significant risk of data compromise, website defacement, and potential command execution within their web environments.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate plugin updates to versions that implement proper nonce validation and security controls. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as network monitoring for suspicious AJAX requests, implementation of web application firewalls, and regular security audits of installed plugins. The WordPress security team strongly advises against using vulnerable plugin versions and recommends maintaining updated security practices including regular plugin updates, strong administrative credentials, and multi-factor authentication for all administrative accounts. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies and regular vulnerability scanning to detect and prevent similar issues in their web applications.