CVE-2022-38057 in Advance Search Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/25/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ThemeHunk Advance WordPress Search Plugin.This issue affects Advance WordPress Search Plugin: from n/a through 1.2.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The CVE-2022-38057 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the ThemeHunk Advance WordPress Search Plugin, exposing systems to unauthorized access and potential exploitation. This vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the plugin ranging from the initial release through version 1.2.1, creating a persistent security gap that could affect numerous WordPress installations. The issue stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the plugin's codebase, allowing malicious actors to bypass authentication requirements and access restricted administrative functions.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-863, which describes "Incorrect Authorization" conditions where a system fails to properly verify that an entity has the necessary permissions to perform a requested operation. In the context of WordPress plugins, this manifests as insufficient validation of user roles and capabilities before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerability likely exists in the plugin's administrative interfaces or API endpoints where proper capability checks are either missing or incorrectly implemented, enabling unauthorized users to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute.
From an operational perspective, this missing authorization vulnerability creates significant risk for WordPress administrators and site owners who rely on the ThemeHunk Advance Search Plugin for enhanced search functionality. Attackers who can exploit this vulnerability may gain access to sensitive administrative features, potentially leading to complete compromise of the affected WordPress installation. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as malicious actors could manipulate search configurations, modify plugin settings, or potentially escalate privileges to gain full administrative control over the website. This risk is particularly severe given that WordPress remains one of the most widely used content management systems, making vulnerable installations attractive targets for automated exploitation attempts.
The vulnerability's exploitation typically requires minimal technical expertise and can be automated through various attack vectors including web application scanners or manual exploitation techniques. Security researchers have identified that this issue can be leveraged to perform unauthorized modifications to search plugin configurations, potentially leading to data exfiltration or the injection of malicious content. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1543 Create or Modify System Process, as unauthorized access to administrative functions enables attackers to establish persistent access or modify system processes. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 1.2.2 or later, which contains the necessary authorization fixes. Additionally, implementing network-level protections such as web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious administrative access patterns can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of proper authorization implementation in web applications and the need for regular security audits of third-party plugins. WordPress plugin developers must ensure that all administrative interfaces properly validate user capabilities and implement robust access control mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive functions. Regular security assessments and adherence to secure coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future plugin versions, protecting the WordPress ecosystem from widespread exploitation. Organizations should also maintain comprehensive patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and reduce the window of exposure for known vulnerabilities.