CVE-2022-2945 in Infinite Scroll Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 09/06/2022
The WordPress Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in versions up to, and including, 5.5.3 via the 'type' parameter found in the alm_get_layout() function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrative permissions, to read the contents of arbitrary files on the server, which can contain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
The WordPress Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin presents a critical directory traversal vulnerability that affects versions up to and including 5.5.3. This flaw resides within the alm_get_layout() function where the 'type' parameter is improperly handled without adequate input validation or sanitization. The vulnerability specifically targets authenticated attackers who possess administrative privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where admin credentials might be compromised or where privilege escalation occurs. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate user-supplied input before using it in file system operations, creating an exploitable path traversal condition that allows malicious actors to access arbitrary files on the compromised server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of the 'type' parameter which is directly used in file system operations without proper sanitization. When an attacker with administrative privileges submits a malicious value through this parameter, the plugin's code fails to validate or restrict the input, allowing it to traverse directory structures and access files outside the intended scope. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-22 - Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-documented weakness in software systems that handle file operations. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal file access controls and retrieve sensitive information from the server, potentially including configuration files, database credentials, or other critical system data that could be used for further exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the ability to access potentially sensitive system files that could contain database connection strings, API keys, or other confidential information. The fact that this requires only administrative privileges makes it particularly dangerous since it can be exploited by attackers who have already gained access to an admin account or who can perform privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, as attackers could potentially access wp-config.php files containing database credentials, or other configuration files that might reveal additional attack vectors. This represents a significant risk to WordPress installations using the affected plugin, especially in enterprise environments where administrative access is more prevalent and the potential for credential compromise is higher.
Organizations should immediately update to version 5.5.4 or later of the Infinite Scroll – Ajax Load More plugin to remediate this vulnerability, as the update includes proper input validation and sanitization of the 'type' parameter. Security best practices recommend implementing the principle of least privilege to limit administrative access, thereby reducing the attack surface for this specific vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper file access controls and monitoring for unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213.002 - Data from Information Repositories, as it allows attackers to extract sensitive data from repository locations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious traversal patterns, and conduct regular security assessments to identify other potentially vulnerable plugins or components within their WordPress installations. The affected plugin's handling of user input demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation that should be addressed through comprehensive security testing and code review processes.