CVE-2022-2695 in Beaver Builder
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2022
The Beaver Builder – WordPress Page Builder for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 'caption' parameter added to images via the media uploader in versions up to, and including, 2.5.5.2 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with access to the Beaver Builder editor and the ability to upload media files to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/13/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2695 affects the Beaver Builder WordPress page builder plugin, specifically targeting versions up to and including 2.5.5.2. This represents a critical security flaw that enables authenticated attackers to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks through the media uploader functionality. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of the 'caption' parameter when images are added to pages, creating a persistent threat vector that can compromise user sessions and execute malicious code within the context of the victim's browser.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the Beaver Builder plugin's media uploader component. When authenticated users with appropriate permissions upload media files and add captions, the plugin fails to properly sanitize the input data before storing it in the database. This inadequate sanitization allows malicious script code to be stored persistently within the caption field, which then gets executed whenever any user accesses pages containing the compromised content. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes Cross-Site Scripting flaws occurring due to insufficient input sanitization, and specifically relates to CWE-80 which addresses improper neutralization of script code in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides attackers with a persistent means of executing malicious code against users who view compromised pages. Attackers can inject various types of malicious scripts including those designed to steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or perform other malicious activities within the context of the victim's authenticated session. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only authenticated access to the Beaver Builder editor, meaning that attackers who have gained access to user accounts with sufficient privileges can exploit this flaw. This makes it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks where attackers can leverage compromised user credentials to gain broader system access.
The threat landscape for this vulnerability is further amplified by the widespread adoption of the Beaver Builder plugin across WordPress installations. As a popular page builder tool, the potential attack surface is extensive, with numerous websites potentially affected by this flaw. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 which describes the technique of using malicious content to gain initial access, and T1059.007 which covers the execution of scripts through web applications. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched version of the plugin, implementing proper input validation, and monitoring for suspicious activity in the media uploader functionality.
Security practitioners should prioritize patching this vulnerability as a high-priority remediation task, as the combination of authenticated access requirements and persistent script execution capabilities makes it particularly dangerous. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script patterns, conducting regular security audits of plugin installations, and establishing proper access controls to limit who can upload media files and modify content within the Beaver Builder editor. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input sanitization and output escaping in web applications, particularly in content management systems where user-generated content is processed and stored.