CVE-2022-3383 in Ultimate Member Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/30/2022
The Ultimate Member plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Remote Code Execution in versions up to, and including, 2.5.0 via the get_option_value_from_callback function that accepts user supplied input and passes it through call_user_func(). This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with administrative capabilities, to execute code on the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/08/2026
The Ultimate Member plugin for WordPress represents a popular user management solution that has been identified with a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting versions up to and including 2.5.0. This vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the get_option_value_from_callback function, which processes user-supplied data without adequate sanitization measures. The flaw creates a dangerous attack vector where malicious actors can manipulate the function to execute arbitrary code on the target server, fundamentally compromising the system's integrity and security posture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the dangerous use of call_user_func() with unsanitized user input, creating a classic code injection scenario that aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code. The function accepts parameters that are directly passed to call_user_func() without proper validation or filtering, allowing attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed within the context of the web server process. This pattern violates fundamental security principles and creates a pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise.
From an operational perspective, the vulnerability requires authenticated access with administrative privileges, which significantly limits the attack surface compared to unauthenticated exploits. However, this requirement does not diminish the severity of the impact, as administrative accounts represent the highest level of system access. Once an attacker gains administrative access through other means or exploits a separate vulnerability, they can leverage this RCE capability to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor installation. The attack can result in unauthorized access to sensitive user data, modification of website content, and potential lateral movement within network infrastructure.
The security implications extend beyond immediate code execution, as this vulnerability can be exploited to establish persistent access through backdoor creation, data theft, and service disruption. Attackers may use the compromised system as a launchpad for further attacks against other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would likely map to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1566.001 (Phishing), as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through legitimate system interfaces. Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including plugin updates, access control restrictions, and monitoring for suspicious administrative activities.
Mitigation efforts must prioritize immediate patching of the Ultimate Member plugin to versions that address this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement strict access controls, ensuring that administrative privileges are limited to trusted users and that multi-factor authentication is enforced. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized administrative access attempts. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation measures can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues across the entire WordPress ecosystem. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs and avoiding dangerous function calls that can execute arbitrary code within application contexts.