CVE-2022-3440 in Rock Convert Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 10/31/2022
The Rock Convert WordPress plugin before 2.11.0 does not sanitise and escape an URL before outputting it back in an attribute when a specific widget is present on a page, leading to a Reflected Cross-Site Scripting
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-3440 affects the Rock Convert WordPress plugin version 2.10.0 and earlier, presenting a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw that emerges when specific widgets are utilized on WordPress pages. This issue stems from inadequate input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, creating a security gap that malicious actors can exploit to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a user's browser.
The technical flaw manifests when the plugin processes URL parameters and incorporates them directly into HTML attributes without proper sanitization. This vulnerability specifically occurs in the widget rendering functionality where user-supplied URL data is not properly escaped before being embedded into HTML attributes such as href, src, or other clickable elements. The reflected nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious payload is reflected off the web server and delivered to the victim's browser, typically through crafted URLs that contain the malicious script.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, defacement of the affected website, and redirection to malicious domains. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in WordPress environments where administrators and users may have elevated privileges, as successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of the affected site. The reflected nature also makes this attack vector relatively easy to deliver, as attackers can craft malicious URLs that appear legitimate and trick users into clicking them.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and the ATT&CK framework's T1566.001 technique for Phishing through Social Engineering. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic input validation failure where the plugin fails to implement proper output escaping mechanisms, violating fundamental web security principles. Organizations using the affected plugin version should immediately upgrade to version 2.11.0 or later, which includes the necessary sanitization and escaping fixes. Additionally, implementing proper content security policies and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of input validation and output escaping in web applications, particularly in content management systems where plugins can introduce significant security risks through improper handling of user-provided data.