CVE-2022-2935 in Image Hover Effects Ultimate Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2022
The Image Hover Effects Ultimate plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the Media Image URL value that can be added to an Image Hover in versions up to, and including, 9.7.3 due to insufficient input sanitization and output escaping. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page. By default, the plugin only allows administrators access to edit Image Hovers, however, if a site admin makes the plugin's features available to lower privileged users through the 'Who Can Edit?' setting then this can be exploited by those users.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2022
The CVE-2022-2935 vulnerability affects the Image Hover Effects Ultimate WordPress plugin, representing a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that enables attackers to execute malicious scripts within users' browsers. This vulnerability exists in plugin versions up to and including 9.7.3, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input when processing Media Image URL values. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient output escaping mechanisms that allow malicious code to persist in the database and execute whenever affected pages are loaded. The vulnerability specifically targets the Image Hover functionality where users can define media URLs, creating a persistent vector for attack execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Media Image URL parameters within the plugin's administrative interface. When authenticated attackers submit malicious script code through the Media Image URL field, the plugin stores this input without proper sanitization, creating a stored XSS payload. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the plugin's default administrative privileges, which restrict editing capabilities to administrators only. However, the risk increases significantly when site administrators configure the plugin to allow lower-privileged users access through the "Who Can Edit?" setting, effectively expanding the attack surface to include contributors, editors, and other user roles with reduced permissions. This configuration creates a scenario where users with minimal privileges can potentially compromise the entire site's security through the stored XSS vector.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-2935 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains including session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that redirect users to phishing sites, steal cookies, or inject additional malicious code that persists across user sessions. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly concerning because stored XSS attacks remain active until explicitly removed from the database, allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to compromised sites. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines cross-site scripting as a critical weakness in web applications, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through phishing. The attack vector is further strengthened by the fact that the vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate administrative functions, making it harder to detect through standard security monitoring.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2935 require immediate action including plugin updates to versions that address the sanitization and escaping issues. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege by restricting plugin editing capabilities to administrators only, particularly when the "Who Can Edit?" setting is enabled. Input validation should be strengthened through proper sanitization of all user-supplied data, including URL parameters and media fields, while output escaping should be enforced for all dynamic content displayed on web pages. Security monitoring should include regular scanning for stored XSS vulnerabilities in WordPress plugins, with particular attention to administrative interfaces where user input is processed. Additionally, implementing content security policies and regular security audits of plugin configurations can help prevent exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output escaping practices as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and other security frameworks, emphasizing that all user-supplied data must be treated as potentially malicious and properly sanitized before processing.