CVE-2022-2710 in Scroll to Top Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/19/2022
The Scroll To Top WordPress plugin before 1.4.1 does not escape some of its settings, 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 • 10/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2710 affects the Scroll To Top WordPress plugin version 1.4.0 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of WordPress installations. This issue stems from insufficient output escaping within the plugin's settings handling mechanism, creating an environment where malicious code can be persistently stored and executed. The vulnerability specifically targets high-privilege users such as administrators who possess the capability to modify plugin settings, making it particularly dangerous in multi-site environments where administrative control is paramount.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes stored cross-site scripting flaws as a critical weakness in web applications. The flaw occurs when the plugin fails to properly sanitize user input within its settings interface, allowing malicious scripts to be stored in the WordPress database and subsequently executed whenever affected pages are loaded. This stored XSS vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can persist even when the WordPress installation has restricted the unfiltered_html capability, which is a standard security measure designed to prevent arbitrary HTML injection in multi-site configurations where user permissions are carefully managed.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2710 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to administrative functions and sensitive data within the WordPress environment. When administrators modify plugin settings, the malicious code they inadvertently inject becomes permanent, executing in the context of other users' browsers who visit pages utilizing the affected plugin. This creates a persistent threat vector that can be leveraged for session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the WordPress installation. The vulnerability's persistence in multi-site environments makes it particularly dangerous as it can affect multiple sites within a single network, amplifying the potential damage.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through plugin version updates to 1.4.1 or later, which includes proper output escaping mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as monitoring for unauthorized plugin modifications and conducting regular security audits of WordPress installations. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1548.002 for abuse of group privileges and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation, emphasizing the need for layered defense mechanisms. Security administrators should also consider implementing content security policies and restricting administrative permissions to minimize the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, ensuring that even if exploited, the attacker's capabilities remain limited.