CVE-2022-2658 in WP Spell Check Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/16/2023
The WP Spell Check WordPress plugin before 9.13 does not escape ignored words, which could allow high privilege users such as admin to perform Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks even when the unfiltered_html capability is disallowed (for example in multisite setup)
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/05/2025
The WP Spell Check WordPress plugin vulnerability CVE-2022-2658 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that undermines the security posture of WordPress installations. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 9.13 and exploits a failure in input sanitization mechanisms within the plugin's handling of ignored words. The flaw occurs when administrators or high-privilege users interact with the spell check functionality, creating a persistent XSS vector that can compromise user sessions and execute malicious code within the context of the victim's browser. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multisite environments where the unfiltered_html capability is restricted, as it provides an avenue for privilege escalation and unauthorized code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate output escaping in the plugin's ignored words management system. When users add words to the ignore list, the plugin fails to properly escape these entries before storing them in the database or rendering them in subsequent user interface elements. This creates a classic stored XSS scenario where malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently executed whenever the ignored words are displayed or processed. The vulnerability is exacerbated by the fact that it specifically targets high-privilege users, making it particularly dangerous as administrators often have elevated permissions and access to sensitive data. The flaw exists in the plugin's data handling pipeline between user input processing and output rendering, creating a persistent attack surface that remains active until the vulnerable plugin version is updated.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2658 extends beyond simple XSS execution to encompass potential session hijacking, data theft, and full administrative compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts that capture user credentials, redirect users to phishing sites, or establish persistent backdoors within the WordPress environment. In multisite configurations, where WordPress security policies often restrict unfiltered_html capabilities, this vulnerability becomes even more dangerous as it circumvents these security controls. The attack vector requires only that a high-privilege user interact with the spell check functionality, making it relatively easy to exploit in environments where administrators regularly use the plugin. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that once the vulnerability is exploited, the malicious code remains active until the plugin is updated, potentially allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to the compromised system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2658 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates to version 9.13 or later, which contain the necessary input sanitization fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all WordPress plugins are kept up-to-date with the latest security releases. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious script injection patterns in WordPress environments, particularly around spell check and text processing functionalities. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional input validation measures and restricting administrative privileges to only essential personnel who require access to spell check features. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1548.003 for privilege escalation through application vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for layered security approaches that address both user access controls and input validation mechanisms.